A British national has been formally accused by law enforcement in Florida of attempting to drown his daughter-in-law during a family holiday, authorities have revealed. The incident, which occurred on Sunday at a rented property in the Solterra Resort area of Davenport, has sent shockwaves through both the local community and those back home in the United Kingdom.
The individual, named as Mark Raymond Gibbon, aged 62 and reportedly from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, is alleged to have made an attempt on the life of his 33-year-old daughter-in-law following a dispute concerning his grandchildren, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The sheriff provided details of the ordeal on social media, while the story quickly garnered attention from British and American media alike.
Police reports indicate that deputies were dispatched to the residence at around 5.20pm, following an emergency call about a disturbance at the property’s swimming pool. According to Sheriff Judd, Gibbon is accused of forcefully pushing the victim into the pool and repeatedly holding her head beneath the surface, preventing her from breathing and placing her life in immediate peril.
The situation reportedly escalated until neighbours holidaying in an adjacent property became aware of the commotion. When it became clear that bystanders were contacting emergency services, it is alleged that the accused ceased his actions. Notably, the victim’s nine-year-old daughter is said to have bravely intervened during the incident, jumping into the water in an attempt to help her mother, underscoring the traumatic nature of the attack.
Following their arrival at the scene, local authorities arrested Gibbon and transported him to Polk County Jail, where he remains in custody. He now faces serious charges, including attempted second-degree murder and battery. The gravity of the allegations has underscored the severity with which Floridian officials are treating the case.
Sheriff Judd released a statement addressing the wider significance of the incident, commenting: “It’s great that Polk County draws visitors from all across the world, but we expect vacationers to behave while they visit with us, just as we expect our lifelong residents to do the same.” His remarks serve as a sobering reminder that, while Florida continues to attract international travellers year-round, authorities expect all visitors to adhere to both the law and standards of public conduct.
The incident highlights the potential risks that can arise on family holidays, even in seemingly safe and tranquil settings. While such alleged acts of violence remain rare in holiday resorts, this case will inevitably prompt families to remain vigilant, even when far from home. It also raises questions about the underlying causes of family disputes that can escalate into violence, with authorities stressing the importance of seeking help and mediation to resolve conflicts peacefully.
At present, there has been no public statement from representatives of Gibbon or the victim. The British Embassy in the United States has not commented on the matter, though they would typically be expected to provide consular support to UK citizens facing serious criminal allegations abroad. The case is likely to move swiftly through the Floridian legal system, given the high-profile nature of the charges.
As the investigation continues and both US and UK observers follow developments, the family at the centre of this harrowing event will be left to deal with the aftermath. There are sure to be further updates in the coming days as the judicial process unfolds in Polk County, with a particular focus on the wellbeing and recovery of those affected by the ordeal.