Buckland Avenue double murder case adjourned

Stanley Elliot appeared for a preliminary hearing before Winchester Crown Court this morning.

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.

Now, Mr Elliot, of Vidlers Farm in Sherborne St John, has appeared before Winchester Crown Court, where he was remanded into custody.

The 52-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and address in the 20-minute preliminary hearing.

The case was adjourned whilst a psychological report is prepared. He will next appear before the same court on August 27, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Officers cordoned off Buckland Avenue 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.”