A GWENT couple have agreed a five-figure settlement with a tour operator, after their dream holiday turned into a nightmare.

Scott Beasant and wife Leanne, from Pontypool, fell ill at the Summer Island Village Hotel in the Maldives in November 2008.

Mr Beasant lost one-and-a-half stone in five days and was diagnosed with salmonella poisoning on returning home.

It scuppered his chances of a professional career in rugby league.

Mrs Beasant had to take three months off work after her sickness, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps worsened.

They even had to postpone IVF treatment planned on their return, as they could not enter a hospital until they were free of illness.

The couple were among six people backed by law firm Irwin Mitchell to have settled claims out-of-court with Cosmos Holidays. They insist the case was never about money but about ensuring no-one else suffers as they did.

They claimed their rooms at the resort were dirty, food was undercooked and, at one point, the water supply was cut off so they could not flush the toilet.

Their illnesses meant they could not enjoy many of their planned activities, and the only time they left the island was on transfer to another for hospital tests and treatment following several days of severe sickness and diarrhoea.

“We were both absolutely terrified as to what was happening to us.

“We complained to staff and tour reps but no one seemed to listen,” said Mr Beasant, 28, a fabrication welder.

“When we returned home I was diagnosed with salmonella poisoning and we couldn’t believe it. What happened in those two weeks has had a serious negative impact on the rest of my life.”

Mrs Beasant, an occupational health technician, said the luxury holiday had turned into their “worst nightmare”.

She said: “When we were told we couldn’t progress with the IVF treatment it was absolutely devastating. Amazingly, I conceived naturally during this time, but it could have been very different.”

Safety ‘must be priority’

SPECIALIST travel lawyer Elizabeth Tetzner from legal firm Irwin Mitchell, said the couple’s holiday experience continues to have a negative impact on their lives.

“This case was not about the money for the couple.

“They wanted to see justice done,” she said.

“I hope this serves as a warning to all tour operators that guests’ safety must be their top priority at all times and the correct measures are put in place to ensure it stays this way.”

In a statement, Cosmos Holidays, confirmed it has reached a financial settlement with Mr and Mrs Bessant, and added: “Cosmos Holidays has a health and safety policy in place which ensures that all accommodation featured by the tour operator is fully audited to meet the health and safety standards set by each country’s government.”