A man has appeared in crown court charged with murder in connection with a missing Pitsea mum.

Gary Bennett, 36, of Caister Drive, Pitsea appeared in Basildon Crown Court this morning via a video link from prison.

He’s charged with murdering Madison Wright, 30, from Pitsea who went missing on July 22.

The hearing in front of Judge Samantha Leigh was told he will appear back in court next month for pleas and a provision date for a possible trial was set for March 13.

The hearing was also told that the custody limit for Mr Bennett ends in January.

Speaking to the defendant Judge Samantha Leigh said: "Mr Bennett you will be back in court for pleas on September 23. The case stays with me for case management."

READ MORE >>>

Madison, 30 had not been seen or heard from since the morning of Friday, 22 July. An investigation into her disappearance was launched by Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and on Friday an arrest was made.

On Saturday a body was discovered at Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea. Essex Police says the formal identification process is yet to take place but Madison’s family have been informed of the development and continue to be supported by specialist detectives.