THE trial of a man accused of murdering a Basingstoke couple at their home on Father’s Day last year will begin on Monday (February 7).

Stanley Elliott, of Kiln Road, Sherborne St John, is charged with the killing of Geoffrey and Michelle Hibbert in Buckland Avenue in the early hours of June 20.

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. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

On October 22, 52-year-old Elliott appeared at Winchester Crown Court and spoke only to plead not guilty to the two counts of murder.

READ MORE: Stanley Elliott denies double murder of Basingstoke couple

He was due to stand trial at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, January 31. However, he was deemed “unfit” to attend.

Winchester Crown Court heard this morning (Wednesday, February 2), that The Honourable Mr Justice Neil Garnham would make an order, requiring Elliott’s attendance on Monday, “regardless of his state”.

The trial is expected to last up to four weeks.

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