Tragic holiday horror: Teen Amanda Selby choked to death by her own brother during family break
Holiday nightmare in Towyn
Fifteen-year-old Amanda Selby of Greater Manchester was fatally choked by her 20-year-old brother Matthew at Ty Mawr holiday park, Towyn, Conwy county, on July 31, 2021. The siblings were on holiday with their dad, Anthony, when the fatal struggle unfolded.
Sibling attack sparked by a flying charger
The tragedy began when Amanda threw a plug or charger at Matthew. Things quickly spiralled out of control. Matthew, who was diagnosed with autism and mental health issues, pinned Amanda face-down and choked her in a headlock. Their father desperately tried to intervene but was unable to break the hold.
“Tell mum I love her,” Amanda reportedly said to their father before losing consciousness.
Legal aftermath and judge’s ruling
At Mold Crown Court, Matthew Selby pleaded guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. Psychiatric reports revealed he suffers from autism, intermittent explosive disorder, and depression – factors deemed to have “substantially impaired” his control.
Judge Rhys Rowlands described the event as a “catastrophic loss of temper” that destroyed the family’s future happiness. He sentenced Selby to five years in prison, plus an extended five-year licence on release.
A promising young life cut tragically short
The judge lamented the loss: “Amanda was killed at the age of 15 by her own brother on what should have been a very happy holiday. She had her whole life ahead of her.” Emergency services arrived too late to save her.
