Holiday Argument Turns Violent in Florida Pool
A grandfather from Buckinghamshire has avoided jail time after attempting to drown his daughter-in-law during a family holiday in Florida. The incident occurred at the Solterra Resort where Mark Gibbon, from Beaconsfield, was staying with family members.
The confrontation reportedly began during an argument about a will, escalating dramatically when Gibbon allegedly tried to push his 33-year-old daughter-in-law, Jasmine Wyld, underwater. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the situation became even more alarming when Wyld's nine-year-old daughter jumped into the pool to rescue her mother.
Family Intervention and Legal Outcome
Police reports indicate that Gibbon pushed his granddaughter away during her rescue attempt. Despite the violent nature of the attack, the case took an unexpected turn when Wyld requested that Gibbon be released and allowed to return to the United Kingdom.
Gibbon paid $26,000 for his release on bail and ultimately pleaded guilty to battery charges. More serious accusations including second-degree murder and strangulation were dropped by prosecutors.
The State Attorney's Office explained their decision, stating: "The victim informed our office that she felt the defendant had been punished enough and she desired that he be allowed to return to England and have contact with her and her daughter. She had no fear of him."
Complex Family Relationships Revealed
Further investigation uncovered surprising background details about the family dynamics. The Daily Mail revealed that Gibbon and Wyld had been in a relationship for two years following the breakdown of both their marriages.
Wyld shares two children with Gibbon's son Alex, who is reportedly estranged from his father. A family source disclosed: "Mark and Jasmine have been seeing each other for a few years, but they've never admitted it. Alex and his dad don't speak at all. There have been a number of issues within the family."
The family conflict has previous legal history. Two years ago, Alex Gibbon pleaded guilty to hitting his father with an £80,000 Porsche after separating from Ms Wyld. Court records also show Alex pleaded guilty to harassing Wyld.
As part of his sentence, Mark Gibbon completed an anger management course and was adjudicated guilty of battery. The court considered the victim's wishes and Gibbon's rehabilitation efforts in their decision not to impose jail time.
