A MAN has been extradited from France over the death of a pensioner two years ago.

Gary John Selwood is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court charged with the manslaughter of Paul Carter.

Paul, aged 69,  died in hospital on Saturday 16 April, 2022, after being assaulted inside the Whitchurch Folk Centre, in East Dundry Road, Bristol, on Sunday 27 February, 2022.

Following an investigation, led by the Major Crime Investigation Team, Selwood was arrested in the Aulnay area of France, on Sunday, March 26.

He was brought back to the UK by specialist officers yesterday.

He remains in custody ahead of his court appearance today, Tuesday, April 9.

A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police said: "Officers have worked closely with agencies including Interpol and the National Crime Agency as part of the investigation and subsequent extradition process.

"Paul’s family have been kept fully updated on this development and will continue to be supported by specially trained Family Liaison Officers.

"Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time."

Paul’s family have released a tribute. It reads: “Our dad, Paul Carter, aged 69, had gone to a local folk house on a Sunday evening back in February 2022 to enjoy a drink with friends.

“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.”

Gazette Series: Paul Carter, aged 69, died after being assaulted in Bristol two years agoPaul Carter, aged 69, died after being assaulted in Bristol two years ago (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)