A WELLINGTON couple who were viciously attacked with a machete in the garden of their holiday home on the Caribbean island of Tobago say they are "outraged" that the case against their alleged assailant has been discharged.

A Tobago man, Clint Nigel Alexis, 25, of Breadfruit Alley, Argyle, Tobago was charged with the assault, which took place in August 2009 and left former Wellington hoteliers Peter, 66 and Muriam Green, 61 of St John's Close, Wellington seriously injured.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Tobago, Allan Crooks, had earlier said no other suspect was being looked at in the matter.

Now, authorities on the island say there is not enough evidence to hold a trial.

Speaking on Tuesday, after the WWN went to press, the couple, who are still suffering from their injuries, said discharging the case was "disgusting".

Mr Green, who has had to learn to walk again after suffering severe injuries which left him paralysed down the left side, and fluid on the brain, said: "This man changed my life for ever. It's disgusting that a human being is walking around Tobago after what he did to us. It's outrageous."

Both underwent emergency surgery for serious wounds to the face and neck after the attack. A metal plate was inserted in Muriam's jaw after she was reported to have been found by a passer by crawling into the street for help.

She said: "Every day I look in the mirror and damn that man to hell."

Earlier this year, Wellington's MP, Jeremy Browne, met Trinidad and Tobago's Foreign Minister, Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, to discuss the case.

Trinidad and Tobago Justice Minister Herbert Volney has promised they can expect compensation following the attack.

The couple spoke out at the beginning of January when they warned people not to go to Tobago.

They told a national Sunday newspaper they had had witnessed racism, corruption and violence during their trips to their island hideaway.

Mr Green said: "We want to tell the truth about what happened in the hope that it puts British people off going there.

"It's the only weapon we have."