A 62-year-old British grandfather is facing attempted murder charges in the United States after allegedly trying to drown his daughter-in-law during a family holiday near Disney World.
Mark Gibbon, from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, is accused of repeatedly holding 33-year-old Jasmine Wyld underwater in the swimming pool of their rented villa in Davenport, Florida, following a heated argument over his will.
According to Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened while Gibbon, Wyld, and other family members were staying at the luxury property during a holiday to Orlando. Investigators allege Gibbon pushed Wyld underwater multiple times while her nine-year-old daughter tried to intervene, only for Gibbon to shove the child away.
Victim and Suspect’s Relationship
Wyld, who shares two children with Gibbon’s estranged son Alex, has reportedly been in a relationship with Gibbon for the past two years after both their marriages broke down.
She initially told police she “could not breathe and feared she would drown,” with deputies recording visible scratches to her chest. However, during a recent court appearance via video link from the UK, Wyld described Gibbon as her “best friend” and “a fantastic grandfather,” insisting she was not afraid of him.
Her testimony in court conflicted sharply with the sworn statement she gave on the day of the alleged assault. Judge Jalal Harb refused a defence motion to release Gibbon on bail, citing “great concern” over the inconsistencies.
Charges and Next Steps
Gibbon has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and battery. He pleaded not guilty at a separate hearing last week and remains in custody at Polk County Jail in Bartow, Florida.
Witnesses told police they saw Gibbon holding Wyld underwater “multiple times” and that he stopped only after being told officers had been called.
The case is set for another court hearing next month.
