British Couple Faces Imprisonment in Thailand Despite Being Assault Victims

Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple in Thailand, face potential jail time despite being victims of a violent attack captured on CCTV. They were found guilty of causing superficial injuries, while their attackers initially faced charges but later changed their pleas. The couple’s family calls for urgent government intervention to prevent what they view as a miscarriage of justice.

A British couple residing in Thailand, Des and Mary Byrne, are facing the grim prospect of imprisonment despite being victims of a violent attack recorded on CCTV. The couple, who moved to Thailand in 2020 to fulfill their dream of retirement, were recently found guilty of causing minimal injuries and mental distress due to a dispute concerning land access.

In December 2023, while investigating disturbing noises in their garden, the Byrnes encountered a physically fit couple who allegedly vandalized their property. Following a confrontation, the British man and his Thai partner assaulted the Byrnes, resulting in serious injuries, with Mr. Byrne reportedly receiving 22 strikes while unconscious, and Mrs. Byrne suffering severe blows.

Initially, the assailants faced arrest and denied the charges, later changing their pleas to guilty and subsequently ordered to pay compensation. Unexpectedly, 15 police officers raided the Byrnes’ home, leading to the couple’s arrest on counter charges of inflicting “superficial injuries and mental anguish.”

Both individuals, aged 77 and 69, have invested all their resources into clearing their names, even selling their villa in Hua. They now face the potential of imprisonment, as highlighted by Mr. Byrne’s frustration regarding the police’s lack of assistance following their assault, stating they initially rejected their report.

As their court date approached, Mrs. Byrne expressed a desire to return home, revealing their situation as a “living hell” where they feel unjustly victimized. The couple’s family has sought help from British officials, appealing to political leaders like David Cameron and current Foreign Secretary David Lammy without success. Her brother emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to free the Byrnes from the threat of wrongful imprisonment and restore their lives.

In summary, the plight of Des and Mary Byrne reflects a severe miscarriage of justice, where victims of an assault are facing potential imprisonment based on flawed legal proceedings in Thailand. Their family is actively seeking intervention from the British government to rectify this grave situation. The Byrnes remain hopeful for assistance in their quest to return home.

Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk