It was a dream holiday to the exotic Dominican Republic, which turned into a nightmare.

Eastern Daily Press: Stephen Robson was hospitalised after he fell seriously ill at a four-star hotel in the Dominican Republic. Picture: ROBSON FAMILYStephen Robson was hospitalised after he fell seriously ill at a four-star hotel in the Dominican Republic. Picture: ROBSON FAMILY (Image: Archant)

A Lowestoft man spent three days in hospital after falling seriously ill during a holiday in 2012. After suffering severe health problems ever since then, Stephen Robson this week received a five-figure settlement after successful legal action against the tour operator TUI UK LTD T/A First Choice.

Ten people had travelled on the Thomson package holiday to the four-star Dreams Resort and Spa in Punta Cana in September and October 2012 to celebrate the first wedding anniversary of Mr Robson, 52, and his wife, Susan, 42. However, just days into the trip Mr Robson began suffering with diarrhoea and vomiting. After receiving treatment at the resort his symptoms continued and he was eventually rushed to hospital. As well as ruining the couple's holiday, the illness Mr Robson suffered led to him being diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and he has had to stop eating certain foods.

He said: 'We were really disappointed with the resort and our experience overall as we noticed some things we were very concerned about. The food was often served lukewarm and left uncovered for long periods of time, which meant insects and birds in the restaurant area were able to get at it. I never thought that these issues would lead to me developing such terrible symptoms, which appear to have caused me significant long-term health complications, which I may never fully recover from.'

After contacting international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the problems he suffered, an undisclosed five-figure settlement was secured. Jennifer Downing, personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who represented him, said: 'The ordeal Stephen went through and the ongoing health problems he suffers as a result shows just how much of an impact gastric illness can have.'

Eastern Daily Press: The venue where the group claimed food was left exposed to flies, served lukewarm and chilled food was not refrigerated properly at the resort. Picture: ROBSON FAMILYThe venue where the group claimed food was left exposed to flies, served lukewarm and chilled food was not refrigerated properly at the resort. Picture: ROBSON FAMILY (Image: Archant)

A spokesman for TUI UK Ltd First Choice said: 'We don't comment on settlements.'

Got a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk