Remorseless thug unleashed fatal punch that killed Bristol dad at folk club


A man has shown "no remorse" after fatally punching a dad at a folk club in Bristol. Gary John Selwood was jailed for four-and-half years at Bristol Crown Court today, Monday, September 30, after being convicted of manslaughter.

The 59-year-old punched Paul Carter, 69, in an “unprovoked” and “unjustified” attack at Whitchurch Folk House in East Dundry Road on the evening of Sunday, February 27, 2022. Mr Carter fell backwards after the punch and hit his head on the corner of some furniture.

He was knocked out and suffered a bleed to the brain. Mr Carter was pronounced dead at Southmead Hospital on Saturday, April 26.

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Avon and Somerset Police officers arrested Selwood the day after the attack in Bedminster. However, he later fled to France before being arrested in the Aulnay area on Sunday, March 24, this year and was extradited back to the UK by specialist officers.

Gary John Selwood
Gary John Selwood -Credit:Avon and Somerset Police

At Bristol Crown Court today, Judge Julian Lambert said Mr Carter was “a loyal and hard-working family man”, who was "quiet, considerate and generous”. He added that Selwood had shown “no remorse” for his actions and described the incident as a “tragedy caused by a single punch”.

Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “This has been an extremely distressing time for Paul’s family and they remain firmly in our thoughts. We’ll continue to give them any support they need through a specialist family liaison officer.

Paul Carter was left unconscious for 48-days after he was punched in the head by Gary Selwood in February 2022
Paul Carter was left unconscious for 48-days after he was punched in the head by Gary Selwood in February 2022 -Credit:Family Handout/Avon and Somerset Police

“Gary Selwood carried out a vicious attack on Paul at Whitchurch Folk House in 2022. Just one punch was enough to cause horrific injuries, resulting in Paul spending almost two months in hospital before needlessly losing his life. Those who engage in violent acts need to take heed – the potential consequences of this behaviour can be devastating and life-changing.”