Police Launch Urgent Investigation After Assault on Vulnerable Man
In a harrowing episode of Murder: Suspect No 1, viewers will witness the urgent actions taken by the police following the brutal assault of a vulnerable man in his own home, which left him fighting for his life. The Channel 5 series, set to air on Monday, 24 February at 9 PM, follows the Humberside Police’s homicide team as they delve into a series of violent deaths over the span of a year. The fifth episode focuses on the fourth case, where detectives are on the hunt for the perpetrator who attacked Anthony Ibbitson, a 54-year-old man who was beaten and left unconscious in a flat that was subsequently set ablaze.
Who Was Anthony Ibbitson and What Happened to Him?
Anthony Ibbitson, affectionately known as Tony by those in his community, was at his flat on Terry Street in Hull during the evening of Wednesday, 29 November 2023, when a visitor turned deadly. Mark Vaskouski, originally from Belarus, arrived at Mr. Ibbitson’s residence with the intention of threatening him, demanding drugs and money. What ensued was a violent confrontation where Vaskouski brutally assaulted Mr. Ibbitson, inflicting severe injuries by punching, kicking, and strangling him.
At the time of the incident, Mr. Ibbitson’s flat was dimly lit by candles because his electricity had been cut off due to alleged non-payment. As Vaskouski fled the scene, it is believed that a fire had already started within the property. Witnesses reported hearing him shout, “Give me all the drugs” and “Enjoy the fire – get out” amidst the chaos. The violent attack was captured on a rear-facing CCTV camera, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
As the fire rapidly engulfed the flat, concerned passersby noticed thick smoke billowing from the windows and promptly raised the alarm. Hearing what sounded like snoring or heavy breathing emanating from inside, they feared someone might be trapped. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus bravely entered the blazing building and discovered Mr. Ibbitson in his bedroom. Although he was still alive, he had sustained extensive injuries, burns, and was suffering from smoke inhalation.
After being rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary and subsequently transferred to the regional burns unit at Pinderfields Hospital, doctors determined that Mr. Ibbitson had suffered 36 percent burns across his body. Despite the tireless efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries two days later, on 1 December 2023. A post-mortem examination revealed multiple blunt force traumas consistent with being violently punched and kicked, alongside a brain injury that rendered him unconscious.
Detectives quickly identified Vaskouski, then 27 years old, as the primary suspect through extensive CCTV footage from the area. On Wednesday, 13 December 2023, he was apprehended at his residence on Stroud Crescent East in Bransholme on suspicion of murder.
Where is Mark Vaskouski Now?
During police interviews, Vaskouski denied any wrongdoing, but he was charged with murder. His trial commenced at Hull Crown Court in August of the following year. Throughout the court proceedings, he claimed that Mr. Ibbitson’s injuries may have been the result of an accidental fall during their confrontation. However, the post-mortem examination indicated that Mr. Ibbitson had also suffered fractures to bone and cartilage consistent with strangulation.
After four weeks of detailed evidence, the jury reached a verdict, finding Vaskouski guilty of murder. Zoe Nixon from the Crown Prosecution Service remarked, “Mark Vaskouski left his unconscious and fatally injured victim in a burning building. This was an appalling crime, and our thoughts remain with Tony Ibbitson’s family during this tragic time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Amy Keane-Christie, who spearheaded the murder investigation, stated, “The attack that Vaskouski inflicted upon Anthony cost him his life, leaving his loved ones to grapple with the heartbreak of a future without him. Tony’s family has shown remarkable bravery and patience throughout this painful journey, and I cannot fathom the anguish they have endured while reliving the loss and trauma as Vaskouski denied his involvement in Tony’s death.”
She further emphasized, “Vaskouski is undoubtedly a violent and dangerous individual who subjected a defenseless man to a prolonged, brutal attack. Without the dedication and perseverance of the investigative team, Vaskouski would have continued his life without a second thought for Anthony or his grieving family.”
Ultimately, Vaskouski was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 20 years. Upon completing his sentence, he will face deportation.
