Police bosses have paid tribute to a "much-loved mother" after her murderer has been sentenced to life in prison

Gary Bennett, 37, of Caister Driver, Pitsea, has been jailed today for a minimum of 21 years after the "unspeakable" murder of his girlfriend Madison Wright.

Ms Wright, 30, of Pitsea, went missing on the morning of Friday, July 22, and her body was discovered at Wat Tyler Country Park on Saturday, July 30. 

During the trial, the jury were told Bennett killed his girlfriend, put her body in the boot of her own car, and drove around in it for a few days before burying her in Wat Tyler Park.

After his sentencing today, Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, Essex Police's head of major crime said: “Gary Bennett is a schemer, a liar and a murderer. It didn’t take the jury long yesterday to conclude that. But today, it is not about Gary Bennett.

“Today is about Madison Wright. It’s about remembering what Bennett took from Madison’s family. A much-loved mother, daughter and sister.

“Madison’s family have had to sit through a long and painful trial, listening to details, of how their beloved daughter’s body had been left under a pile of debris in Wat Tyler Park.

“All because Bennett was too cowardly to ever admit what he had done.

“We cannot imagine the pain they are going through but I would like to personally commend them for their strength, throughout this investigation.

“This investigation and trial have revealed to us that Madison was a victim of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour from Bennett.

“I am urging anyone who has been personally affected by domestic abuse to get in touch with Essex Police, or one of our support services including “Next Chapter” in order to get the support you deserve.

“Madison’s family would like to thank everyone involved in the investigation including Essex Police and the numerous witnesses who came forward in getting justice for Madison.”

Chief Inspector Dan Mchugh, District Commander for Basildon said: “Madison’s disappearance and tragic death has had a devastating impact on the local community in Basildon.

“Madison’s family and the police have received an enormous amount of support from the public and I’d like to personally thank those people for the compassion they showed.

“I appreciate that whilst this trial has concluded, the details that have been revealed around the domestic abuse that Madison was victim of, may be distressing to some.

“Any form of violence against women and girls will not be accepted and I’m urging anyone who has been affected or need to get help to get in contact with us”