Man Jailed for Brutal Murder of Homeless Victim in Canterbury Car Park
A vicious killer and three accomplices have been locked up after a shocking attack that left a 51-year-old man dead in a Canterbury car park. The mastermind, Sobantu Sibanda, was sentenced to a minimum of 19 years for the murder of Guy Malbec, who was found battered and left to die in a tent.
Attack Caught on CCTV, Lasted Over an Hour
The brutal assault happened in the early hours of Sunday, 9 April 2023, at a Castle Street car park. CCTV footage showed Sibanda repeatedly beating Mr Malbec with the victim’s own belongings — including a laptop and a wooden gavel — over nearly an hour from 4.40am to 5.35am.
Mr Malbec was discovered hours later by police, wrapped in a sleeping bag inside his tent on the car park’s lower ground floor. A post-mortem revealed he died from severe head, face, and torso injuries caused by blunt force trauma.
Three Men Jailed for Cover-Up
Sibanda wasn’t alone. Keith Hall, Gavin Houghton, and Airidas Sakalauskas were also involved in the grim aftermath. The trio helped clear the crime scene — removing the tent, blood-stained items, and destroying personal belongings, including treasured pink sapphires and a silver pill box. They even deleted messages about the crime.
All three were jailed for a combined total of eight years and eight months for perverting the course of justice. Houghton and Sakalauskas got three years and four months each, while Hall received two years.
Police Praise Family, Confirm Justice Served
“This was a brutal, prolonged attack on Mr Malbec, who had previously had such a promising life ahead of him, but whose poor health had led to him living on the streets in Canterbury. He was vulnerable and had no way to defend himself when he was subjected to such a vicious attack.”
— Detective Chief Inspector Kathleen Way, Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate
Detective Chief Inspector Way added: “Sibanda acted callously and without remorse, leaving Mr Malbec to die and disposing of his property. Today marks closure for this tragic investigation. Thanks must go to Mr Malbec’s family for their support. His killer is behind bars and cannot harm anyone else.”
