Matthew Hyde, a 22-year-old who confessed to torturing his ex-girlfriend in a dormitory at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus in 2023, is appealing his 13-year prison sentence. Sources indicate that the appeal is based on claims that the sentence is excessive, with Hyde seeking a reduction in his prison term. The Court of Appeal has acknowledged receipt of the appeal, and a hearing date is pending.
In December 2024, Hyde was sentenced to 15 years and seven months, which was later reduced to 13 years and nine months, accounting for time already served. His attorney, Patrick Peterkin, had requested a three to four-year sentence, citing Hyde’s age, remorse, and mental health issues. However, Justice Carolyn Tie-Powell, during sentencing, remarked on the severity of the crime, stating, “It is horrifying what was done to the complainant in this matter, and persons who act in this in…”
Hyde admitted to repeatedly burning his ex-girlfriend with a clothing iron and physically assaulting her over several days in his dorm room at George Alleyne Hall. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of grievous bodily harm, and one count each of false imprisonment, malicious communication, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Justice Tie-Powell noted that granting more than a 15% reduction in his sentence due to the guilty plea would be inappropriate and could shock public conscience.
