British Couple in Thailand Faces Imprisonment Despite Being Assault Victims

Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple in Thailand, have been wrongfully convicted despite being victims of a brutal attack recorded on CCTV. They face possible imprisonment due to counter charges, and their family seeks urgent help from the British government to address this alarming miscarriage of justice.

A British couple residing in Thailand, Des and Mary Byrne, face jail despite being victims of a brutal assault recorded on CCTV. The couple, who moved to Thailand in 2020 to lead a peaceful retirement, are now entangled in a legal battle after a land access dispute turned violent.

In December 2023, the Byrnes confronted two intruders in their garden, both in their forties and trained in Thai boxing, who were damaging their property. The confrontation led to a severe beating; Mr. Byrne was knocked unconscious and struck 22 times, while Mrs. Byrne was attacked leading to lasting injury and reduced heart function.

Despite the violent history, law enforcement’s focus shifted, resulting in the Byrnes being charged with causing “superficial injuries and mental anguish.” The couple pleaded their case in court, feeling a profound injustice as they fought to clear their names, having exhausted their savings in the process.

The Byrnes’ family has been actively seeking intervention from the British government. Since the incident, they have appealed to various political figures, including former Prime Minister David Cameron and current Foreign Secretary David Lammy, yet have received little assistance. As the couple awaits the possibility of imprisonment, they describe their situation as “a living hell.”

The Byres sold their villa to fund their legal defense, with family members calling for urgent government action. They emphasize that the Byrnes are victims, highlighting the risk of a severe miscarriage of justice. Their relatives continue to campaign for their safe return home, reflecting a desperate plea for intervention at a time when their lives hang in the balance.

In summary, Des and Mary Byrne, upon pursuing their retirement dreams in Thailand, now grapple with the consequences of being victims turned defendants in a violent altercation. Despite evidence of their victimization, legal challenges loom as they face potential imprisonment. The couple’s plight has drawn attention from their family, who seek governmental intervention to avert a miscarriage of justice and restore their safety and peace.

Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk