A Jamaican man who was “wrongfully” held on remand in a Bahamian prison for nearly 10 years was awarded 2 million dollars in damages at the weekend.

Matthew Sewell who was 18 at the time of his first arrest, spent the first 6 years on 2 alleged rape charges which were later dismissed.

According to the Nassau Guardian, in 2013, Sewell was again arrested for murder and housebreaking.

The murder charge was dropped as he was incarcerated at the time of the murder.

However, he pleaded not guilty to the housebreaking charge and remained in prison until that charge was dismissed in March 2014.

The court issued two discharge certificates to Sewell, but he was arrested a month later.

In October 2015, a judge granted a writ of habeas corpus.

In the trial seeking damages from the Bahamian Government, Sewell outlined challenges in prison including being raped.

On August 2, Supreme Court Retired Justice Ruth Bowe-Darville, ruled that in his favour.

“The ruling said, “before the accused’s first arrest, he was a young 18-year-old, of good character, and then he found himself in unfamiliar surroundings facing incredible odds.”