Man due in court accused of Whitchurch manslaughter

Gary John Selwood has been extradited to the UK from France

Paul Carter lost his life after being assaulted in Whitchurch Folk Centre
Author: James DiamondPublished 9th Apr 2024

A 59-year-old man is due in court in Bristol charged with manslaughter, after being extradited to the UK from France.

Gary John Selwood, 59, is accused of killing 69-year-old Paul Carter from Whitchurch, who died in hospital after being assaulted inside the Whitchurch Folk Centre in East Dundry Road, on 27 February 2022.

Selwood was arrested in the Aulnay area of France on Sunday 26 March and brought back to the UK following an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police, in partnership with Interpol and the National Crime Agency.

In a tribute Paul's family say he was at the centre that night to enjoy a drink with friends.

Their tribute reads: "Following this incident, he was in a coma for seven weeks with multiple bleeds to the brain. This was probably the most traumatic time we’ve ever experienced, not knowing if he is going to wake up or not, everyday hoping for the doctors to tell us new information.

“Our dad had not long retired, he was such a gentle man, a quietly spoken man, who enjoyed buying us flowers and a bottle of prosecco every week. He loved nothing more than to spend time with his family and grandchildren, helping them out with university work and anything technical.

“No family should have to go through the trauma of losing someone in this way.

“We would like to thank the hospital staff at Southmead and the Police who have supported us throughout everything during this terrible time; they have been nothing short of being amazing.”

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