'Gentle Giant' Murder Reward

Detectives in Hertfordshire have offered a reward for information that will lead to a conviction in the case of murdered '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 in Elstree on Wednesday 24 February.

Gary, who lived with his mother in Little Oxhey Lane, South Oxhey, 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.

Police believe Gary was attacked at some point between 5am and 8.50am and they 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 Gary’s chunky, gold neck chains and his brown leather wallet, which were missing from his body when he was found.

A man, 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 Gary’s death.

Detectives have been working tirelessly to find the person responsible for Gary’s death, and members of the public are now being offered a cash reward from Crimestoppers.

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."

Peter Camilletti, Chairman of the Hertfordshire Crimestoppers Board, told potential witnesses: "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."

(PR)