Artist's impression of murder suspect released (From Watford Observer)

Hertfordshire Police tracking killer of man found in Aldenham Country Park issue artist's impression

7:40pm Wednesday 3rd March 2010 in News By Chris Hewett

Police tracking the murderer of Gary Bennett have issued an artist's impression of their main suspect.

The probable motive has been declared as robbery, as 46-year-old Mr Bennett was missing at least one valuable gold chain and a significant amount of cash when he was found.

The popular bin-man was discovered with severe head injuries, in Aldenham Country Park, on Wednesday, February 24, by a group of teenage students on their way to school.

Witnesses have described to police seeing two men, in yellow hi-visibility jackets, walking towards the gate of the park at 5.30am - 15 minutes later just one of them came back.

This man is described as 5ft 10 inches tall, with brown hair aged between 30-40 years old.

Police say Mr Bennett was well known for wearing chunky jewellery, including two gold chains, as well as carrying a large amount of cash, often between £500 to £600 in £50 notes.

The main focus of their inquiry at this stage is one of the missing gold chains, believed to be worth up to £10,000.

It is described as a chunky square curb chain, but rounded, and solid yellow gold. The other smaller chain was of a similar design.

Detective Superintendent Mick Hanlon said: “If it was sold at a pawn brokers, I know for a fact it would be in excess of £2,000. If you bought it at a jewellers you would be looking at at least £10,000.

“At least one, if not two neck chains were taken from Gary and in all likelihood these would have been passed on and turned into cash.

“If you have seen or have bought that neck chain then you hold the key to identifying who Gary's killer is.”

Mr Bennett was also missing a standard men’s flat, brown leather wallet.

Police say the killer is most likely a person who gets up for work at 5am, was possibly late for work on that Wednesday, wears a high visibility jacket, has been acting suspiciously or has perhaps been seen with an unusual amount of money.

Det Spt Hanlon added: “This is a localised crime and it is a horrific crime.

“Gary was a substantial man, and would not have been viewed as a victim, so he has been taken to the park in a vehicle by somebody he knows.

“They have either met him, and made that arrangement, or have waited for him to come out of his home and have encouraged him, by trickery of some sort, to get into the car.”

A murder weapon is yet to be found, though police are awaiting forensic evidence to pinpoint the type of instrument used to kill Mr Bennett.

Det Spt Hanlon added: “Gary was hit several times over the head with quite a heavy, blunt object.

“We are keen to know if anyone has asked for a replacement high-visibility jacket, or has reported one lost, as we believe the killer would have got blood on whatever clothes they were wearing.

"If anyone can provide us with one or both of the chains I am keen to stress they will not be left out of pocket.

“Gary's death has had a devastating effect on his family.

“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.