CCTV images of murder victim released (From Watford Observer)

CCTV images of murder victim in Aldenham Country Park released

4:04pm Monday 1st March 2010 in News By Chris Hewett

CCTV images of “gentle giant” murder victim, Gary Bennett, were released by police today to help build a picture of the events leading up to his death.

Mr Bennett, 46, was found bludgeoned to death in Aldenham Country Park on Wednesday, February 24, and police believe he would have known his killer.

The latest images were taken from a branch of Ladbrokes betting shop, in Little Oxhey Lane, at about 1.30pm on Tuesday 23, the day before he was killed.

Detective Superintendent Mick Hanlon said: “We believe that these CCTV images are the last pictures of Gary alive.

“We hope that they may jog the memory of anyone who may have seen Gary in the days leading up to his death.

“Gary had learning difficulties and has been described as a ‘gentle giant’ by people who knew him.

“We are desperate to appeal to the conscience of anyone who knows anything about his death to come forward.”

Gary left his home in Little Oxhey Lane at around 5am and his body was found in Aldenham Country Park at around 8.50am.

Gary was described as a white man of large build, approximately 6ft tall with short dark hair.

He was found wearing a yellow high visibility jacket, similar to the one he is wearing in the CCTV images, with grey cargo bottoms and black boots.

Det Spt Hanlon said: “Gary’s death has had a devastating impact on his family and I’d like to take this opportunity to again urge anyone who may have information to come forward that can help us establish what happened on Wednesday morning.

“We would still also like to speak to anyone who knew Gary and has been in contact with him in the week before his death.

“If you have any information at all, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please get in touch.

"You can do this in confidence via the incident room number 01707 355959 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”