A man has appeared in court charged with murder in connection with the death of a Pitsea missing mum.

Gary Bennett, 36, of Caister Drive, Pitsea sat crying in the dock in Southend Magistrates Court today as he was told he’s charged with murder.

He’s charged with murdering Madison Wright, 30, from Pitsea who went missing on July 22.

The defendant who has a shaved head appeared wearing a grey jumper and spoke only to confirm his name and reached for a tissue in the dock as he kept crying.

The court heard he's accused of killing the mum between July 22 and July 25. Bennett will next appear at Basildon Crown Court on August 3.

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He did not enter any plea at the hearing.

Colin Adams, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: “Mr Bennett as you have heard we have no jurisdiction over this matter and it will be sent to Basildon Crown Court for a hearing on August 3 and an application for your bail will be before the court. You will remain in custody until that hearing.

Madison, 30 had not been seen or heard from since the morning of Friday, 22 July. An investigation into her disappearance was launched by Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and on Friday an arrest was made.

On Saturday a body was discovered at Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea. Essex Police says the formal identification process is yet to take place but Madison’s family have been informed of the development and continue to be supported by specialist detectives.