Particle.news
Download on the App Store

British Man Accused of Drowning Attempt in Florida Is Released After Misdemeanor Plea

Prosecutors accepted a reduced charge after victim testimony urged leniency, with court records showing time served plus the return of his passport.

Overview

  • Court documents dated 7 November show Mark Gibbon pleaded guilty to battery, was credited with time served, and was ordered to pay $1,308.68 in costs.
  • The court directed that Gibbon’s passport be returned, and no additional jail sentence was imposed under the plea agreement.
  • Gibbon was arrested in August at a rental home in the Solterra Resort in Davenport and initially charged with attempted second-degree murder and battery.
  • A Polk County Sheriff’s statement alleged he repeatedly held the victim’s head underwater and that the victim’s nine-year-old daughter jumped into the pool to intervene.
  • Records indicate his charges were revised in September to two counts of battery and one of battery by strangulation, with bond receipts showing payments of $25,000 and $1,000 during proceedings.