A DETECTIVE has said police are dedicated to bringing justice to victims of all crimes after a Basingstoke murderer was also convicted of stealing more than £28,000 from a bingo hall.

Following a four-day long trial at Winchester Crown Court, a jury found Stanley Elliott guilty of carrying out a burglary alongside Geoffrey Hibbert at the Buzz Bingo hall in Basingstoke in January 2020.

The bingo hall in the Leisure Park, near West Ham roundabout, was burgled in the early hours of January 9, 2020.

The court heard that police understood the men had crawled through the roof space before accessing the room next to where the money was kept via the ceiling tiles. 

They were then seen on CCTV filling bags with money and leaving via a fire exit just after 2am. In total £28,555 was stolen from the venue.

READ MORE: Stanley Elliott found guilty of Buzz Bingo burglary

Detective Constable Thomas Bailey said: “Despite strong evidence to the contrary, Elliott maintained his not guilty stance to the end. This jury’s verdict means that cash seized from his address, matching a portion of that stolen from Buzz Bingo in 2020, can now be returned to its rightful owner. 

“Our officers were committed and determined to investigate this burglary offence fully and I hope this court result shows the public that we leave no stone unturned when it comes to bringing justice to victims of all crimes. 

“We will ensure that we relentlessly pursue those who cause harm in our communities and I hope the result reassures people that we take reports of burglary incredibly seriously.”

The 54-year-old, of Vidlers Farm, Kiln Road, Sherborne St John, is currently serving a life prison sentence with a minimum term of 34 years for murdering Geoffrey and Michelle Hibbert by stabbing them to death on June 20, 2021, at their bungalow in Buckland Avenue, South Ham.

On the evening of the murders, Elliott had been babysitting for the couple. Mrs Hibbert made a 999 call to report that her husband had been stabbed. During the call, she said she had also been attacked. Police arrived at the scene just after 2am and found their bodies inside the property.

Paperwork relating to the case and Mr Hibbert blaming Elliott for the burglary was found in the bin at the Hibbert's home following the murders.

SEE ALSO: Stanley Elliott found guilty of murdering couple in Basingstoke

The court heard that texts between Mr Hibbert and Elliott appeared to discuss their plan to burgle Buzz Bingo, including photos of the inside of the venue, which Elliott told the court he sent because Mr Hibbert was planning to install an integrated alarm system.

Several items were found inside Elliott's home including a black hat resembling a balaclava, £500 worth of cash wrapped and a rucksack full of coins.

Elliott was jailed for 18 months which will be served concurrently with his murder sentence. 

The cash which was seized by officers will also be returned to the company.