A Limerick man who was beaten and robbed in Orlando, Florida, has returned home. Mr Tom Sweeney (36) arrived for a two-week holiday and offered to pay cash in advance at a motel. He wanted to keep his credit card for the end of the holiday.
The motel receptionist did not know how much two weeks cost and took cash for one night. Next morning at 7 a.m., Mr Sweeney says, a phone call for a different number was put through to his room. Later he answered a knock at the door. Two men pushed him to the bed and kicked him in the head. He says a pillow was put over his head and he thought he was going to be shot. His cash of $2,500 or nearly £2,000 was taken. He suffered bruising to the ribs and head.
Florida police have a fund for tourists affected by crime and offered to put Mr Sweeney up for three more days, but he came home instead last week and has since consulted lawyers.