Brutal Double Murder Shocks Basingstoke
Stanley Elliott, 53, has been handed a life sentence for the savage murders of Geoffrey and Michelle Hibbert at their Basingstoke home last June. The attack happened after the couple returned from a night out on 20 June 2023.
Knife Rampage Leaves Couple Dead
Winchester Crown Court heard Elliott unleashed a furious assault, stabbing Mr Hibbert 58 times. Michelle Hibbert was also attacked as she desperately dialled 999 for help. The harrowing emergency call revealed Mrs Hibbert, just 29, pleading for her and her husband’s lives as Elliott turned the knife on them both.
‘Most Terrifying Deaths’ – Judge Slams Killer
“This must have been the most dreadful and terrifying of deaths for Geoff and Michelle. You armed yourself with a kitchen knife and used it repeatedly on your friends. They each knew you were stabbing their spouse.” – Judge Mr Justice Garnham
The judge revealed the attack erupted shortly after the couple arrived home on Buckland Avenue in the early hours. He linked the brutal assault to a bitter argument over who was to blame for a recent bingo hall burglary.
Frenzied Attack on ‘Defenceless’ Couple
Passing sentence, Mr Justice Garnham told Elliott the jury would never forget Mrs Hibbert’s desperate 999 call. He described the stabbing as “prolonged, angry and frenzied” and condemned Elliott for inflicting “great pain” on two defenceless friends before ending their lives.
