A BRIT mum has begged a court to release her father-in-law after he was arrested on suspicion of trying to drown her on a family holiday.
Jasmine Wyld, 33, called Mark Gibbon a “wonderful grandfather and her best friend” as she made an emotional plea to prosecutors in newly released court footage.
The 62-year-old grandfather from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, faces charges of attempted murder for allegedly holding Ms. Wyld’s head underwater in a pool, as stated by authorities.
Gibbon and Wyld have even been forced to deny being in a relationship in recent weeks as details around the shocking case continue to unravel.
Family friends of Gibbon, a wealthy lighting engineer, claim he struck up a relationship with Ms Wyld – who was once engaged to his son Alex.
The estranged couple share a nine-year-old daughter and six-year-old son.
Ms Wyld returned to the UK earlier this month as she broke her silence via video link at a court hearing for Gibbon.
She told prosecutors: “I’ve been through a lot mentally with what’s been going on and I think I’m still in shock.
“I look upon Mark as a very trusting character, as a good man. He adores his family.
“Nothing was ever too much trouble for him.
“I can’t comment on the events of that day; I guess only Mark can. But I strongly emphasize what a wonderful grandfather he was to my children, and he was my best friend.
“I have complete trust in him and l have never been fearful of him.”
But Ms Wyld’s recent court statements have actually sparked concern for the case due to several contradictions.
Ms Wyld spoke in favour of a motion submitted by Gibbon’s lawyer which called for his release from custody.
However, a judge denied the request and said that Ms Wyld’s testimony contradicts the sworn statement she gave on the day of the alleged drowning.
They added: “Quite frankly, her testimony is of great concern to this court.”
It comes after initial allegations against Mr Gibbons saw him accused of attacking Ms Wyld in a drunken holiday row.
Gibbon, who owns a hairdressing business called Sage Hairdressing, is accused of pushing Ms. Wyld underwater after informing her she wasn’t the main beneficiary in his will.
He reportedly admitted to pushing her but denied trying to kill her.
He claimed they had both been drinking when she slapped him as the situation escalated.
Ms Wyld initially told prosecutors she “could not breathe” and feared “she would drown”, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s office.
Her nine-year-old daughter is said to have been forced to leap into the hotel pool to try to “save” her.
Police reports added that Gibbon’s alleged attack left the mum with scratches and bruising.
He has since been charged with attempted second-degree murder and two counts of battery.
If convicted on all charges, Gibbon could face up to 20 years in jail.
Police were also making inquiries into whether the case should be treated as domestic violence.
Social services and US law enforcement have questioned Ms. Wyld about her relationship with Mr. Gibbons amid rumors that the two have been cohabitating for several years.
Neighbours in Beaconsfield described Ms Wyld as the Brit granddad’s “girlfriend” – and said she was often seen at his £800,000 semi-detached home.
Family insiders also claimed Gibbon’s son Alex allegedly found Ms Wyld in his father’s bed around four years ago.
This is said to be around the time Alex and Ms Wyld called off their engagement in 2021.
One source told the Daily Mail: “Alex went up the stairs and found Jasmine in his father’s bed.
“They had a massive row. It’s torn the family apart… there’s been so much bad blood between Alex and his dad.”
The feud deepened when Alex was jailed for driving an £80,000 Porsche Cayenne into his father during a public row.
He was released six months ago and the pair no longer speak.
