Emotional plea from elderly mother of murder victim (From Watford Observer)

Emotional plea from elderly mother of murder victim

1:00pm Saturday 6th March 2010 in News By Chris Hewett

The elderly mother of murder victim Gary Bennett has made an emotional appeal for help in catching his killers.

Speaking from the home she shared with Gary for the past 44 years, his mother Alice, 80, said: "He was a wonderful boy. You could not have wished for a better son.

"He was always laughing and joking and would do anything for people.

"I can't think of anyone who would have wanted to harm him. He was a big fellow, but was a gentle giant who would not hurt a fly."

Police say Mr Bennett, who had learning difficulties, was a creature of habit and was woken at 4.30 each work day morning by his mother at their home in Little Oxhey Lane, South Oxhey.

He would then cycle two-and-a-half miles to Watford council's Wiggenhall Road Depot to begin work as a dustman.

But last Wednesday, February 24, he changed his routine.

He was woken by his mother as usual, but left the house in his high-visibility work jacket without his bike.

Police believe he got into a vehicle with a person, or people, he knew and was driven five miles to Aldenham Country Park in Elstree.

Sometime between 5.30am and 5.45am he was attacked from behind with a heavy metal object, suffering multiple blows to his head.

His body was discovered at 8.50am by pupils on their way to school.

Alice, who has ten great-grandchildren, said: "He had never been to the park. He would not have gone with someone he did not know. He must have known them.

"I would hate it to happen to anybody else. If you can help the police in any way you can I wish you would. I have lost a good son."

The police have been speaking to his work colleagues in the hope of gaining more information.

Alice said: "Gary liked betting. He would often go to the bookies to bet on the horses. He also liked the lottery.

"They were his main interests along with his family. He was a very good son, taking me on holiday and out on day trips.

"'Come on mum', he would say, 'we are going here today'.

"He would help anybody. No one would want to harm Gary. I will miss him so much."

Anyone with information should telephone the incident room on 01707 355959 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.