A TOURIST from Swindon who was allegedly set on fire by a woman in Crete was left too fearful to attend her trial, according to his parents.

Stuart Feltham, 20, was severely burned when 26-year-old student Marina Fanouraki allegedly threw a flaming shot of sambuca over his genitals after he apparently exposed himself.

However his parents Pauline, 46, and Ian, 49, – who insist it was an unprovoked attack – say he was too scared to return to the island again to provide evidence at her trial on Thursday.

The case was adjurned – and will be thrown out if he fails to show again.

His mother Pauline said: “After discussing it with Stuart, he didn’t want to go back to Crete again because of what happened last time and the threats that followed.

“He said ‘Mum, I just want to get on with my life’.

“At the end of the day it was up to Stuart whether he wanted to carry on with it.”

Stuart, of Sheerwold Close, Stratton, was allegedly attacked with the flaming drink by the Greek student in Stefanos Hotel in Malia, Crete on the last night of a two-week holiday with friends last year.

He was treated in a private clinic in Heraklion, the Cretan capital, for second degree burns to his chest and neck. Fanouraki was charged with assault.

Ms Feltham said that during his treatment several people tried to threaten and bribe Stuart and his friend Aaron Chapman to drop the case.

Stuart flew back to the UK only the day before he was due to attend the court, causing the case to be adjourned.

About two weeks ago, he received a summons to provide evidence at the trial on Thursday.

A case was being prepared on his behalf, but he decided not to attend after the family’s own lawyers advised it was not binding under UK law.

Stuart has also decided not to attend any future trial dates, meaning Fanouraki will probably walk free.

Ms Feltham said: “Obviously we were advised that it would probably be thrown out but at the end of the day, it was up to Stuart about whether he wanted to take it further. He was frightened although he may not admit it.

She added: “People are going to say he was guilty, but at the end of the day, we know he is not.

“It was a completely unprovoked attack. She shouldn’t get away with it but at the end of the day, we have got to stick with what Stuart wishes.”

Stuart, a plumber at Malmesbury Plumbing and Heating, now only has slightly faded patches on his chest and is expected to make a full recovery.

However, Ms Feltham said Stuart would never return to the island.

“It has definitely put him off going abroad,” she said. “He isn’t going away this year, all his mates are going but he is not interested.

“He just wants to get on with his life and his job.”