A MAN has appeared in court charged with murdering a couple at a bungalow in Basingstoke at the weekend.

Sherborne St John man Stanley Elliot is accused of killing Geoffrey and Michelle Hibbert in Buckland Avenue, South Ham, on Sunday morning.

Appearing before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning, Mr Elliot, wearing a light grey t-shirt and dark grey tracksuit bottoms, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

The case was sent to Winchester Crown Court on Friday as it was too serious to be dealt with at Magistrates’ Court.

The 52-year-old, of Vidlers Farm, Kiln Road, was remanded into custody.

Addressing the defendant after the two-minute hearing, District Judge Timothy Pattinson said: “This case will be sent to Winchester Crown Court.

“The next date is Friday 25th June, the time is 10 o’clock in the morning for a 10.30 hearing.

“In the mean time you will be remanded in custody.”

Police were called to Buckland Avenue at around 2am on Sunday, Father’s Day, responding to a concern for welfare call.

When they arrived, they found Geoffrey, 61, and Michelle, 29, with serious injuries, and they were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers cordoned off the road for two days as forensics scoured the crime scene.

As previously reported by The Gazette, a toddler was left orphaned and was taken into care, with Hampshire Constabulary and the county council working closely to ensure the child is supported.

Geoffrey was a passionate Fathers 4 Justice campaigner, and famously scaled a M25 road sign in 2008 whilst dressed as Batman.

He unfurled a banner with pictures of his eight-year-old daughter, bringing thousands of cars to a halt.

Chief Inspector Matthew Reeves said: “This is a shocking incident, and I understand that members of the local community will be concerned.

“We have a number of officers working hard at the scene, and there will be an increased police presence in the area.

“I want to reiterate that we believe all parties involved are known to each other and that there is no known threat to the wider community.

“If you have any concerns, or information, please feel confident to approach one of our Neighbourhood Policing officers as they are on patrol in the area. Alternatively, if you have information please give us a call on 101 quoting Operation Carnation.”

Geoffrey Hibbert had appeared at court in March accused of stealing almost £30,000 from a Basingstoke bingo hall.

The 61-year-old was charged with the burglary of £28,555 from a private staff area at Buzz Bingo in the Leisure Park on January 9, 2020.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.