During a distressing 999 call, the mother, 29, was heard pleading to be spared before the babysitter stabbed her and her husband to death

A man was sentenced to life in prison for murdering a husband and wife while their kid slept in the next room.

Stanley Elliot, 53, was sentenced to two life terms for the ‘frenzied’ stabbing of 61-year-old Geoffrey Hibbert and his 29-year-old wife Michelle immediately after they came home following a night out.

Elliott, who had been babysitting their son, stabbed Mr Hibbert 58 times in the neck and torso and Mrs Hibbert seven times in the attack. He cut her neck as she dialled 911 in desperation.

Elliott was sentenced to 34 years in prison by the Honourable Justice Neil Garnham, who told him: ‘This was a protracted, aggressive, and frenzied knife assault by you on two defenceless persons that caused them both enormous agony and finally led to their deaths.’

‘This had to be the most horrible and terrifying death for Geoffrey and Michelle. They were all aware that you had stabbed their spouse.

‘They had to have been in a lot of emotional and bodily anguish and suffering before they died.’

‘You were a visitor as [the son’s] babysitter, and you misused that position in the most appalling manner.’

‘As a result of your violent behaviour, that kid and orphan have been placed in care.’

‘You’ll be in your 80s by the time you’re eligible for parole.’ You will serve at least 34 years.’

During the trial, jurors heard a distressing tape of a horrified Mrs Hibbert’s urgent emergency call made from Elliott’s mobile phone, which Mr Justice Garnham indicated jurors would ‘never forget.’

Michelle can be heard breathing heavily at the start of the conversation, telling authorities, ‘Somebody has attacked me and stabbed my husband…’ ‘I am at home.’

When asked where she was wounded, Mrs Hibbert replies, ‘In my stomach… My husband has been stabbed all over.’

Mrs Hibbert is then asked whether she is bleeding, but after saying “yes,” she panics and yells.

Her screams then abruptly stop, yet the call persists, and Mrs Hibbert is no longer heard.

‘The jury listened to the call several times during the trial – and it is something I imagine they will never forget,’ Mr Justice Garnham continued.

‘At the start of the conversation, Michelle is asked who [attacked them].’ Her response was unequivocal: Stan Elliott.

‘She begged you to spare her for [her son].’