Advertisement

Couple Get Five Figure Payout After Suffering Bed Bugs and Rashes at Caribbean Resort

image

Aaron Rigby’s ankles (Picture: Caters)

‘Holiday from hell’ is a clichéd term but this couple’s romantic holiday in the Dominican Republic has left them with four years of itches and skin conditions.

Jessica Mann and her then-boyfriend Aaron Rigby experienced beg bug bites, rashes and blisters due to the poor hygiene in their room at Sirensis Cocotal Hotel, in Punta Cana.

Thomas Cook, who sold the package to couple have now paid the pair an undisclosed five figure sum in compensation.

Jessica, 24 said: ‘I had never been on a long-haul holiday before and the trip was meant to be a special break for both of us - instead, it was a very frightening experience and I just wanted to go home.

‘When you go on holiday you just never expect in a million years to suffer these issues.

‘And now I have no choice but to live with my condition which seems to have been made worse by the holiday. It is immensely frustrating.’

image

Mr Rigby’s head and neck (Picture: Caters)

Jessica, 24, suffers from skin condition Pompholyx, which leaves the skin on her hands and feet sensitive, peeling and dry.

But since the ordeal her symptoms have significantly worsened and Jessica - who is an aircraft co-ordinator at Manchester Airport - is still suffering pain and discomfort.

Both Jessica and now-ex Aaron required medical treatment for the rashes and sought advice from the sit doctor at the resort, with Aaron being given medication.

After returning home Jessica needed a whole month off work to recover from the severe blistering.

image

Mr Rigby’s swollen ankle (Picture: Caters)

Jessica added: ‘Nothing can change what has happened but after securing this settlement we just want to put this ordeal behind us and move on.

‘It was not just the rash that spoiled the holiday, there were lots of other things wrong with the hotel.

‘There were lots of insects in our hotel room and the fridge and lights in our first hotel room were not working properly.’

image

The couple stuffed newspapers under their room door to stop insects getting in (Picture: Caters)

A spokesperson for Thomas Cook UK & Ireland said: ‘We were sorry to hear about Ms Mann and Mr Rigby’s experience while on holiday at the Sirenis Cocotal in the Dominican Republic in 2011.

‘Thomas Cook closely audits all the properties to which it operates to ensure that only the highest health and hygiene standards are maintained. We can confirm that the Sirenis Cocotal no longer features in our holiday programme.

‘It is never our intention to disappoint our customers. We are happy to say this matter has now been resolved to Ms Mann and Mr Rigby’s satisfaction, and that we have reached an agreement with their legal representatives.’