Reward for help catching Gary Bennett's murderer (From This Is Local London)

Reward for help catching Gary Bennett's murderer

7:20am Sunday 14th March 2010 in

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A REWARD has been offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the murderer of “gentle giant” Gary Bennett.

Mr Bennett, 46, was found dead with severe head injuries by members of the public in parkland near a disused kiosk, adjacent to a car park in Aldenham Country Park, in Elstree, at approximately 8.50am on Wednesday, February 24.

He lived with his mother in Little Oxhey Lane, on the fringe of Harrow Weald, and is described as a white man of large build, approximately 6ft tall with short dark hair. He was found wearing a yellow high visibility jacket, with grey cargo bottoms and black boots.

It is believed that Mr Bennett was attacked at some point between 5am and 8.50am and police are keen to track his movements between these times.

Police believe the motive for the murder could be the theft of one or two of Mr Bennett’s chunky, gold neck chains and his brown leather wallet, which were missing from his body when he was found.

Police have also released an artist’s impression of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the enquiry. The man, who was wearing a high visibility jacket, was seen at 5.45am leaving Aldenham Country Park via the pedestrian kissing gate that leads onto Dagger Lane on the morning of Mr Bennett’s death.

Peter Camilletti, chairman of the Hertfordshire Crimestoppers Board, which is offering the appeal, said: “I would like to stress that there is no chance you will be identified.

"There will be no ramifications as there is no chance you will be identified. Your information about Gary’s killer or last movement could really make a difference.”

Detective superintendent Mick Hanlon, of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Gary was a gentle, innocent, caring man who liked nothing more than to look after his mother and take her out on day trips.

“He did not deserve to die in this brutal way. I am therefore hoping this reward will encourage people to come forward and help us trace those responsible for this terrible crime.

“We are following a number of lines of enquiry at the moment, but it is vital that if anyone feels they know something about Gary’s death or events leading up to it, no matter how insignificant it may seem, then please get in contact.”

People with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a separate organisation from the police and all calls are dealt with anonymously.

Police can also be contacted in confidence via the incident room number 01707 355959.