Pistol whipped couple to sue First Choice

(27 August 2008)

A couple who were pistol whipped during a violent robbery in the Dominican Republic are to sue their operator First Choice.

Chris and Winifred Hyde were sleeping in their beds at the Gran Bahia Principe hotel in Puna Cana when two men raided their room.

Mrs Hyde was pistol whipped and Mr Hyde had a stiletto blade held to his throat. The robbers also threatened to cut off his wife's fingers in order to steal her rings.

The Hydes' safe was raided and the couple believed they would be killed as the men made no attempt to hide their faces.

The couple plan to sue First Choice for a six figure sum, alleging that the operator failed to provide adequate security during their holiday.

The couple say that they had to wait over two hours for security to arrive at the hotel, followed by the hotel rep and finally the police.