Mark Vaskouski gets life for murdering Anthony Ibbitson in his Hull flat. A new TV series will cover the case.
Anthony died in the hospital two days later. The attack happened in his Hull flat. The show airs on February 24, 2025 and is called a crime documentary. Anthony Ibbitson died in November 2023 at age 54. He was attacked in his home on Terry Street.
Mark Vaskouski threatened Anthony for drugs and money. The attack left Anthony unconscious, and his flat also had a fire. Anthony had severe burns and smoke inhalation. He went to Hull Royal Infirmary first, then he was transferred to Pinderfields Hospital.
Sadly, he died on December 1. His family said he was “pure and kind.” They said many people loved him. Anthony’s family said the attack should not happen; someone took him from them.
They were truly heartbroken. The attacker injured Anthony’s face, neck, and head. Vaskouski yelled “Enjoy your fire” before fleeing. Vaskouski claimed self-defense, but he denied causing serious harm.
He said he did not strangle Anthony, and that they fell together during their fight. His story was that the flat was not on fire. After, Vaskouski tried to hide evidence. He threw away his bloody clothes and tried to break a nearby CCTV camera.
Little is known about Anthony’s personal life. His story is now in Murder Suspect No. 1. Vaskouski denied murdering Anthony after his arrest. The trial happened in September 2024, and the jury found him guilty.
The sentence was life in prison. He must serve at least 20 years. Judge John Thackray KC spoke at sentencing. He said Vaskouski knew the fire started and he did nothing to help Anthony.
The judge rejected self-defense claims, stating that Anthony was weaker and Vaskouski was the aggressor. Detective Amy Keane-Christie spoke about the case. She said Vaskouski attacked a vulnerable person and left him alone in a burning home.
Vaskouski denied everything and only admitted being there right before trial. Anthony’s brother, Mark, called the killer a coward. Mark said the family had to hear lies, and they also had to hear about the attack.
Vaskouski is from Belarus, and they will deport him after his sentence. The show, Murder Suspect No. 1, looks into real murders. Anthony’s case is episode five, a 90-minute episode that airs at 9 PM on February 24 on Channel 5.
The synopsis says a vulnerable man was attacked. The attacker set fire to his flat. Firefighters rescued the 54-year-old, who had assault signs. Detectives found a suspect and also found audio of taunts.