8:50am Tuesday 21st October 2008
A MAN has appeared before Swindon magistrates charged with manslaughter.
Wesley Kilbane, of Twyford Close, Park North, stood in the dock at Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with the manslaughter of Steven Gibbons.
Mr Gibbons, of Kingswood Avenue, Park North, was found dead from a suspected heroin overdose on Saturday.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Bristol Crown Court on October 31, where he is expected to enter a plea.
The victim’s mother, Ann Gibbons, paid tribute to her son saying that he was due to start a detox programme for alcoholism on Monday in order to get his life back on track.
“My son did have a heroin addiction, but he did kick the habit and has been clean for just over two years,” she said.
“He then ended up with a drink problem which he was getting help with. He was supposed to start a detox programme this Monday.”
Mr Gibbons used to work at Honda before he became depressed and started suffering with anxiety. His marriage subsequently broke down.
Mrs Gibbons added: “He was not a bad person. He was a devoted father to his young son. He was a loving person and would help anyone if he could. He loved his music and his Formula One and he was trying to get his life back on track.
“He had everything to look forward to, but through this tragedy he will not be able to. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends who loved him very much.”
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