THE body of Madison Wright was “too decomposed” for experts to identify a cause of death when she was found, a court has been told.

Gary Bennett, 37, of Caister Drive, Pitsea, is standing trial charged with the murder of Madison Wright. He denies the charge.

The 30-year-old victim, from Basildon, had not been seen or heard from since the morning of Friday, July 22, last year.

On July 30 her body was discovered at Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea. The court was told Madison’s body was found covered by shrubs and a fence panel.

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Tracy Ayling, prosecuting, said: “The fence post had Mr Bennett’s DNA on it and his DNA was also found in her car too. He was in custody when her body was found and he made no comment in police interviews.

Echo:

“A very experienced pathologist examined her body and the cause of death was unascertained, the body was so decomposed.

“The pathologist found that there appeared to be marks to the rear of her thighs, around her calves and the back of the knee.”

On Monday, the barrister told the jury Bennett was “controlling” and had murdered his partner who was about to end their relationship, mainly because of his behaviour.

The prosecutor said Ms Wright was “at one time married”.

She added that Ms Wright was still in contact with her husband while she was in a relationship with Bennett.

Ms Ayling told the jury: “The pathologist found that there appeared to be marks to the rear of her thighs, around her calves and the back of the knee.

“It appears to suggest her legs were folded or bent at the knee with her heals towards her buttocks. She may have been in the boot of the vehicle.

“The pathologist cannot exclude the following potential causes of death, smothering, plastic bag asphyxiation and strangulation.”

Last summer, searches were carried out for Madison across the borough at various sites during the days following her disappearance.

Police searched Wat Tyler Park with the park being shut for more than five days and officers erecting cordons at the scene.

Pitsea Tip was also closed for five days as police searched the site for Madison. It re-opened on August 4.

The trial continues