A civil case is being brought against Matthew Hyde, even as defence attorneys petition to keep his prison time down to as low as three years in his criminal case, for the 2023 torture and forced captivity of his ex-girlfriend.

Obika Gordon, attorney representing the female complainant, told Observer Online that proceedings had been initiated for the civil matter in which she is seeking a “significant sum” in compensation for the physical abuse and mental toll she endured during the three days of captivity and torture at the hands of Hyde.
Gordon made the disclosure following the adjournment of Friday’s session of Hyde’s sentencing hearing during which some of the reported abuse was detailed. This included iron burns to the face, back, breast, arms, and buttocks; beatings administered with a belt and Hyde’s fists as well as kicks.

During the proceeding, Patrick Peterkin, Hyde’s attorney, confirmed that the defence has the intent to pay some form of restitution but could not at the time say what that amount would be.

For his part, Peterkin’s extensive presentations included the contents of an evaluation citing Hyde’s “history of psychiatric challenges.”

“[It] found that Hyde suffered from physical and emotional abuse, chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder, — he is not however unable to [be] reformed,” Peterkin read to the court.

Depressive episodes and an instance of a drug overdose were also laid before the court for consideration. Peterkin further cited the report which stated Hyde did not show an immediate risk of violent behaviour. The attorney even proceeded to call for forgiveness as he reminded the court of the Christian nature of the country.

He spoke for over an hour citing a list of similar cases in which abuse victims had been put through a trial and the defendants showed no remorse, highlighting the contrast to his own client.

Hyde pleaded guilty in September 2024, when offered the option.

Along with the charges of grievous bodily harm with intent, which encompass the burns and beating; Hyde stands accused of malicious communication stemming from accusations that he shared nude images of the complainant with at least one person. He will also be sentenced on charges of false imprisonment.

Peterkin wants any penalty for the less severe charges of malicious communication and false imprisonment to be treated as part of time Hyde as already spent in prison.

The sentencing will continue on December 9 at 2pm, exactly one year and 10 months after the complainant was rescued by police from Hyde’s room at the George Alleyne Hall on the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus and he was taken into custody.

The crown will then respond to Peterkin’s submissions before sitting judge Justice Carolyn Tie-Powell, who must determine how much time, if any, the 21-year-old will spend behind bars.