27 year old who severely beat a man in his home in Hull found guilty of murder

Mark Vaskouski had previously pleaded not-guilty to the offence

Author: Gavin RutterPublished 2nd Sep 2024
Last updated 2nd Sep 2024

A violent man who murdered Anthony Ibbitson by severely beating him in his home after a fire broke out and fled the scene in an incident late last year has been found guilty at Hull Crown Court today.

Mark Vaskouski, 27, of Stroud Crescent, Hull was charged with murder having been arrested in connection with Anthony’s death. On the first day of his trial appearing at Hull Crown Court, Vaskouski entered a not guilty plea.

On Wednesday 29 November 2023 Vaskouski made the journey to Tony’s home on Terry Street in Hull and whilst inside his home began to threaten to kill Tony whilst demanding drugs and money.

Vaskouski proceeded to assault Tony causing serious injuries to his face, neck and head leaving him unconscious, unable to seek help or leave his flat. Whilst Tony lay defenceless, a fire ingulfed his flat and Vaskouski fled the scene at around 8.30pm shouting an expletives at Tony telling him to enjoy his fire.

After Vaskouski left the house, the fire spread quickly and members of the public began to notice smoke coming from the property and called the fire service.

Having arrived on Terry Street, Hull, the fire service began to provide medical assistance to Tony whilst ambulance arrived at the scene. He was subsequently taken to hospital to receive medical treatment for injuries from the assault and as a result of the fire.

Tony remained in hospital for two days however despite the efforts of medical staff, he died from his injuries.

A murder investigation was launched and detectives began to conduct lines of enquiry within the vicinity of Tony’s home address on Terry Street.

Vaskouski was identified by specialist detectives who conducted extensive CCTV enquiries over a 12 day period, tracking his route for over 5 miles into the Bransholme area.

On Wednesday 13 December Vaskouski was arrested at his home address on suspicion of Tony’s murder.

The Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Amy Keane-Christie leading the investigation into Tony’s murder said: “Vaskouski subjected Tony, a vulnerable member of our community, to a needless, brutal and sustained attack, leaving him helpless and alone in his home whilst the fire spread.

“Vaskouski denied his involvement throughout the course of the investigation and only started to admit to being present at Tony’s home just before trial. By maintaining his innocence and entering a not guilty plea, Vaskouski subjected Tonys family to unforgivable angst and further trauma.

“Tony’s family shown incredible strength, dignity and patience throughout the course of the investigation and court proceedings. Whilst it doesn’t bring Tony back, I hope they can find some peace in knowing the man responsible for his death is now behind bars. My thoughts remain with them and I ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

“It is without a doubt that he is a violent and dangerous man, and without the hard work, tenacity and dedication of the investigation team Vaskouski would have carried on with his life like nothing had happened. I am pleased he is now off our streets and can no longer cause harm in our communities.

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