A MAN accused of the double murder of a Basingstoke couple is set to enter a plea in October.

Stan Elliot appeared for a preliminary hearing before Winchester Crown Court this afternoon, August 27.

He is charged with the killing of Geoffrey and Michelle Hibbert in Buckland Avenue in the early hours of Father's Day.

The pair were found with serious injuries outside their South Ham bungalow after police were called to reports of a concern for welfare at around 2am on June 20.

They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Today the 52-year-old appeared wearing a navy face mask and plain grey t-shirt and only nodded to confirm his name in the 30-minute preliminary hearing.

The case was adjourned whilst a psychological and a psychiatric report is prepared.

But defence barrister, Mr Harris, explained to the judge: “We have had a short email which suggest that at the moment it is likely that Mr Elliot is fit to plead but there is not any further detail than that.”

He will next appear before the same court on October 22, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Elliot is facing a separate charge of burglary after he was accused of stealing £28,555 from a private staff area at Buzz Bingo in the Leisure Park on January 9, 2020.

The judge adjourned the burglary case until after the murder trial.