Paul Bruce Bray pleads guilty to manslaughter in Canberra caravan park death

Paul Bruce Bray, 50, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter following a fatal scuffle at the Southside Village caravan park in Symonston. The incident occurred on 15 September 2025, when 34-year-old Matthew McGrail visited Bray’s unit to drink alcohol.

According to court documents, a dispute arose regarding Bray’s children during a phone call McGrail was having with his ex-partner. After an initial physical altercation where McGrail punched Bray, a second scuffle ensued in which Bray choked McGrail from behind. Neighbors reported hearing crashes against the walls during the struggle.

McGrail lost consciousness during the strangulation. Although Bray attempted CPR, McGrail died three days later at Canberra Hospital. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death was strangulation. Bray claimed during proceedings that he had consumed approximately 20 standard beverages and was attempting to defend himself.