British Couple Facing Imprisonment in Thailand After Assault Incident

British retirees Des and Mary Byrne are facing imprisonment in Thailand after a violent assault by individuals damaging their property. Despite being victims, they have been arrested on counter-charges. Their situation has garnered attention from their family and UK authorities, who are advocating for intervention to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

A British couple, Des and Mary Byrne, are facing potential imprisonment in Thailand after being victims of a severe assault caught on CCTV. The couple, originally from Middlesbrough, moved to Thailand in 2020 to build their retirement dream home, only to find themselves embroiled in a detrimental property dispute. In December 2023, while investigating a disturbance in their garden, they encountered a pair of individuals damaging their property, leading to a violent confrontation.

During the assault, Mr. Byrne alleges that he was struck unconscious and received a total of 22 blows while on the ground. His wife, Mrs. Byrne, was reportedly punched and kicked, leading to her falling into a flower bed and suffering further injuries. The attack has left her with severely compromised heart function, according to reports from Teesside Live. Initially, the assailants pleaded not guilty but later changed their plea to guilty, paying compensation for their actions.

In a troubling turn of events, the Byrnes were arrested on counter-charges of causing “superficial injuries and mental anguish”. Now, at 77 and 69 years of age respectively, the couple is facing a court appearance with fears of receiving a prison sentence. They express feelings of being trapped in their situation, having exhausted their finances to prove their innocence and being forced to sell their villa.

Mrs. Byrne expressed distress, stating their desire to return home and labeling their current situation as a form of imprisonment. She described their experience as a “living hell” and called for intervention from authorities. Additionally, Mr. Byrne expressed disappointment at local authorities’ initial lack of action when they reported the assault. Their family in the UK has been actively seeking help from both David Cameron and Labour’s David Lammy.

Mrs. Byrne’s brother, Tim Maley, emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for government intervention to avoid what he describes as a potential miscarriage of justice against victims of a brutal attack. He voiced the need for action and support from the UK government, stating that without assistance, the couple’s situation may not improve, leaving the family longing for their safe return home.

The Byrnes’ ordeal highlights a significant legal and humanitarian crisis, as they face the prospect of unjust imprisonment despite being victims of a brutal assault. Their plea for help underscores the complexities of legal systems abroad, particularly for foreign nationals. The case calls for urgent intervention to rectify what the family perceives as a miscarriage of justice, emphasizing the need for support from government officials to bring the couple home safely.

Original Source: www.express.co.uk