Middlesbrough Couple Relieved After Receiving Fine Instead of Jail in Thailand
A Middlesbrough couple in Thailand, Mary and Desmond Byrne, were relieved to receive a fine instead of jail time after being assaulted by their neighbors. Despite sustaining injuries, they are anxious about potential appeals from the assailants. Support from the local community has played a crucial role in their case, which garnered global media interest.
A British couple from Middlesbrough, Mary Byrne, aged 69, and Desmond Byrne, aged 77, expressed their relief upon receiving a fine instead of a jail sentence after being assaulted in Thailand. The couple emigrated in 2021 and were involved in a violent dispute with younger neighbors over a garden. They reported being “punched and kicked” during the altercation, which was recorded on CCTV.
Following the incident in December 2023, both parties faced legal proceedings. The Byrnes eventually received fines of approximately £200 each from a judge, with their family member, Tim Maley, communicating their elation after the court’s decision. Although they have been informed that their passports will be returned, caution remains until they reach the safety of a flight back to the UK.
Mr. Maley noted the anxiety surrounding potential appeals from the offending couple and detailed the physical injuries sustained by the Byrnes during the attack, including bruises and cuts. Mrs. Byrne defended their actions as being purely defensive, emphasizing that her husband’s movement was aimed at avoiding further injury.
The couple initially faced charges despite sustaining injuries. Mr. Maley, their brother, indicated that many in their community rallied to support the Byrnes, showcasing overwhelming public concern and advocacy. A spokesperson from the Foreign Office confirmed they were in communication with the couple and local authorities regarding their circumstances. The Byrnes’ story has resonated globally, thanks to widespread media coverage and public advocacy from their local community in Teesside.
In conclusion, the Byrnes’ experience in Thailand has concluded positively with fines rather than imprisonment. Yet, the couple remains apprehensive about possible repercussions. Their case has highlighted the importance of community support and brought international attention to their plight. The couple’s situation sheds light on the complexities of legal disputes for expatriates in foreign jurisdictions, necessitating vigilant advocacy and assistance from local officials and communities.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
