Teesside Couple Faces Jail in Thailand After Violent Assault

Des and Mary Byrne, a retired couple from Teesside, could face imprisonment in Thailand despite being victims of a brutal assault. Following a confrontation over damaged property, they were attacked and subsequently arrested on countercharges. Their family is urgently seeking intervention from the British government to prevent what they believe is a miscarriage of justice.

A couple from Teesside, Des and Mary Byrne, who relocated to Thailand in 2020 for retirement, face the grim prospect of imprisonment despite being victims of a violent assault. The Byrnes built their dream villa in Hua Hin, but their idyllic life turned nightmarish after a land access dispute. In December 2023, they confronted two individuals damaging their garden, leading to a brutal attack, which was recorded on CCTV.

During the assault, Mr. Byrne sustained significant injuries, being struck 22 times while vulnerable on the ground. Mrs. Byrne was similarly attacked, suffering severe injuries that have impacted her heart function. The perpetrators, initially arrested, later changed their plea to guilty, and were required to pay compensation.

In a surprising development, the Byrnes were raided by police, who accused them of inflicting “superficial injuries and mental anguish” on their attackers. Now, at ages 77 and 69, the couple is scheduled for court on March 12, facing potential imprisonment. Their desperate situation has compelled them to sell their home in Thailand, exhausting their resources to clear their names.

Mrs. Byrne expressed her frustration, stating their desire to return home has been thwarted: “We are trapped here, we are prisoners and no one seems able to help us.” Mr. Byrne criticized the local police’s lack of response following their attack, recounting difficulties in filing a report. As they face prosecution, supporters in the UK have urged intervention from the British government, appealing to both David Cameron and David Lammy for assistance.

The Byrnes’ family is increasingly concerned for their well-being, fearing they may suffer a miscarriage of justice. Their lives have been upended through no fault of their own, and they urge immediate action to secure their release and restore their peace.

In summary, Des and Mary Byrne, retirees from Teesside living in Thailand, are facing legal challenges after being victims of a violent assault. Despite being attacked, they now confront potential imprisonment on countercharges. Their harrowing experience has spurred appeals for governmental intervention to avoid a miscarriage of justice. Their plight exemplifies the complexities and risks faced by expatriates navigating foreign legal systems. The Byrnes await a court decision that could change their lives indefinitely.

Original Source: www.gazettelive.co.uk