British Grandfather Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Pool Attack in Florida
A 62-year-old grandfather from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, is in hot water in the US. Mark Gibbon stands accused of trying to drown his daughter-in-law during a family holiday near Disney World.
Shocking Pool Attack During Family Break
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the terrifying incident happened at a luxury villa in Davenport, Florida. Gibbon allegedly pushed 33-year-old Jasmine Wyld underwater multiple times in the rented swimming pool. The drama unfolded after a heated row about his will. Wyld’s nine-year-old daughter tried to step in, only for Gibbon to shove the child away.
Complicated Family Ties
Wyld shares two children with Gibbon’s estranged son, Alex. Despite this, Wyld has reportedly been in a relationship with Gibbon for two years after both their marriages ended.
Initially, Wyld told police she “could not breathe and feared she would drown.” Deputies noted visible scratches on her chest. But in a recent UK court appearance via video link, she described Gibbon as her “best friend” and “a fantastic grandfather,” claiming she wasn’t scared of him. The conflicting accounts raised eyebrows, with Judge Jalal Harb expressing “great concern” and refusing bail.
Attempted Murder and Battery Charges
- Mark Gibbon faces attempted second-degree murder and battery charges.
- He pleaded not guilty last week and is held at Polk County Jail, Bartow.
- Witnesses told police they saw Gibbon holding Wyld underwater several times, stopping only when they said the police were arriving.
The next court hearing is scheduled for next month. This twisted family saga near the magic of Disney World is far from over.
