British Couple Faces Imprisonment in Thailand After Assault Incident

Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple residing in Thailand, are facing imprisonment following a brutal assault by trained boxers during a property dispute. After initially being victims, they find themselves charged with causing superficial injuries to their assailants. The couple is financially strained and is preparing for a court appearance, with family members seeking intervention from UK authorities to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple living in Thailand, find themselves on the brink of imprisonment after becoming victims of a violent assault linked to a property dispute. Originally from Middlesbrough, the Byrnes relocated to Thailand in 2020 to fulfill their retirement dreams by constructing a luxury villa on the country’s “Thai Riviera.” Unfortunately, their idyllic life soured when they were involved in an altercation regarding land access.

In December 2023, the couple responded to a disturbance in their garden and claimed to have encountered a pair of physically fit assailants, both allegedly trained in Thai boxing, damaging their property. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Mr. Byrne being knocked unconscious and receiving multiple blows while on the ground. Meanwhile, Mrs. Byrne was reportedly assaulted by the female attacker, culminating in severe injuries, including diminished heart function.

In an unexpected twist, following the arrest of their assailants, the Byrnes found themselves charged with inflicting “superficial injuries and mental anguish”. The couple, now fearful of incarceration, is preparing for a court appearance scheduled for March 12, facing dire circumstances after exhausting their finances in their struggle for justice. To compound their distress, they have had to sell their villa in Hua Hin.

Expressing their plight, Mrs. Byrne stated that they feel trapped and likened their situation to “a living hell”, while Mr. Byrne criticized the local authorities for their initial inaction following the assault. In a shocking turn, the couple faced prosecution after initially being the victims. Their family in the UK has sought help from British politicians, including reaching out to David Lammy for intervention, emphasizing the dire nature of their predicament.

Mrs. Byrne’s brother, Tim Maley, has voiced urgent concerns, asserting that the couple requires immediate assistance, pointing out the potential for a miscarriage of justice. He emphasized that the Byrnes, who have experienced such a vicious attack, do not deserve to be incarcerated. The family continues to seek effective government intervention to help bring Des and Mary back home safely.

The Byrnes’ tragic situation highlights the complexities and potential injustices faced by expatriates dealing with legal issues abroad. Having been victims of a brutal assault, they ironically now face prosecution, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the legal process in Thailand. Their family’s ongoing efforts to secure governmental support underline the urgency and the dire need for intervention to avert a potential miscarriage of justice.

Original Source: www.express.co.uk