British Couple Found Guilty in Thailand Despite Being Attack Victims

A British couple, Desmond and Mary Byrne, were found guilty by a Thai court of injuring their neighbors, despite being victims of physical violence. They received a 20-day suspended jail term and a fine, allowing their return to the UK upon payment. Mary described their retirement ordeal as a “living hell.”

A British couple residing in Thailand, Desmond (77) and Mary Byrne (69), have been found guilty of injuring their neighbors despite being victims of physical aggression themselves. The verdict was issued by a local court in Hua Hin on Wednesday, where the couple was convicted of causing minor injuries and mental distress to their neighbors.

In addition to the injury charges, the Byrnes faced contempt of court for sharing their experiences with the media while legal proceedings were ongoing, a claim they refuted. The court imposed a suspended prison sentence of 20 days along with a fine of 17,500 baht (approximately US$520). After the payment of the fine, the couple will be able to collect their passports and return to the United Kingdom.

Mary Byrne expressed their predicament, stating, “Our idyllic retirement in paradise has landed us in a living hell.” The couple moved to Thailand in 2021, purchasing a villa in Hua Hin for approximately £200,000 (around US$258,585).

In summary, Desmond and Mary Byrne, a British couple living in Thailand, were convicted of inflicting injuries on their neighbors despite being the initial victims in a confrontation. The court handed down a suspended jail term and a fine, allowing them to return to the UK after settlement. Their experience highlights the complexities and difficulties faced by expatriates in legal matters overseas.

Original Source: www.scmp.com