Gary Bennett screams as he’s found GUILTY of killing partner Madison Wright, 37, before dumping her body in park
A KILLER today screamed as he was found guilty of murdering his partner before dumping her body in a park.
Gary Bennett, 37, has been convicted of killing Madison Wright, 30, who was last seen on July 22 last year in Basildon, Essex.
Her body was tragically found in Wat Tyler Country Park eight days later.
Today Bennett screamed "how f***ing dare you" at Basildon Crown Court after the jury convicted him of murder.
He is due to be sentenced at the same court tomorrow.
The court heard that Bennett had killed his girlfriend between July 22 and 30 last year when he realised she was about to leave him.
Ms Wright was last seen on July 22 and her body was recovered in Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea on July 30 under a pile of shrubbery, branches and a fence panel.
The panel was found to have Bennett's DNA on it. The jury were told that Bennett had put Ms Wright's body into her own car and driven her to the park where he hide her, before it was recovered by police officers patrolling the area.
Judge Samantha Leigh, who oversaw the trial, has described it as “one of the most overwhelming” cases of murder that she has "ever seen.
In a tribute previously shared by her family, Ms Wright was described as the "most loving" daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend and soon-to-be aunt.
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They said: "Throughout her life Madison was a happy, gentle, thoughtful and kind person.
"She was never a fan of being the centre of attention and definitely would not have liked this.
"Our family has suffered a loss that is unimaginable and irreparable, and the void Madison leaves will never be filled.
"Her life has been stolen from not just her but from all of us. Her memory however will live on through her son whom we cherish dearly.
“We will remember every smile, laugh and every moment we had the honour to share. We will miss you for the rest of our lives Mad.
"The love we have for you is beyond words and you will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace Mad, until we meet again.”
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a - available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.