Toddler Orphaned In Double Murder Tragedy

A young boy has been orphaned following the double murder of his parents on Sunday 20 June.

Police were called in the early hours to an address in Buckland Avenue, Basingstoke.

Officers attended and discovered two people: a man in his 60s and a woman in her 20s who had sustained serious injuries. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

A murder investigation is underway and a man has been arrested and charged and is due to appear in Winchester Crown Court on Friday 25 June.

The victims have been named as husband and wife Geoffrey Hibbert, 61, and Michelle Caroline Hibbert, 29, of Buckland Avenue.

Mr Hibbert was a well known Fathers 4 Justice activist who scaled a gantry on the M25 in 2008 while dressed as Batman as part of a Fathers 4 Justice protest, bringing thousands of cars to a halt. Michelle describes herself as Full Time Mummy on her Facebook profile where she has shared many happy pictures of their son.

Stanley Elliot, 52, of Kiln Road in Sherborne St John, was charged with their murder on Tuesday 22 June and appeared briefly before Basingstoke Magistrates Court yesterday Wednesday 23 June where it was confirmed that his case will be sent to Winchester Crown Court. Mr Elliot remains in custody.

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.”

We contacted Hampshire County Council about the care of the Hibberts’ son and a spokesperson confirmed: “We are unable to provide any details as, in the interests of safeguarding, this must remain confidential.”

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

Anyone with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.