Elderly British Couple’s Ordeal in Thailand: From Victims to Criminal Charges
Des and Mary Byrne, an elderly British couple in Thailand, face jail time following a brutal assault in their garden, despite being the victims. Their dream retirement has turned into a nightmare due to a land dispute and legal challenges that threaten their freedom. Family members are appealing for government intervention to seek justice and support for the couple.
An elderly British couple, Des and Mary Byrne, are facing time in a Thai jail after enduring a brutal attack in their garden, captured by CCTV. The couple’s experience over the past year has been described as a “living hell.” Originally hoping for a tranquil retirement on the “Thai Riviera,” the Byrnes have encountered severe difficulties due to a land dispute and assault that fundamentally altered their lives.
The Byrnes relocated to Thailand in 2020, fulfilling their dream of building a villa. However, their troubles began in December 2023 when they found a couple, believed to be trained in Thai boxing, vandalizing their property. Des Byrne, aged 77, recounted confronting the intruders, stating, “We told them to leave, but instead, we were attacked.”
Des was mercilessly beaten by the male assailant, while Mary, aged 69, was targeted by his Thai female partner. The brutal assault left them with serious injuries, including Mary suffering from reduced heart function. Initially, their attackers were apprehended but later pleaded guilty in August, proposing to pay compensation.
In a shocking turn of events, the Byrnes were arrested by police on counter charges of causing “superficial injuries and mental anguish.” The couple, now requiring representation in court, faces a court date on March 12, and Mary has noted their potential imprisonment. Des stated their predicament, expressing disbelief that they are being judicially pursued despite being the victims.
Family members have been actively seeking assistance from the British Government, appealing to officials including David Cameron and David Lammy, the current Foreign Secretary. Tim Maley, Mary’s brother, stated their urgent need for intervention, emphasizing the injustice they are enduring.
Desperate for assistance, the Byrnes have drained their savings, even selling their Hua Hin villa to fund their legal defense. With no immediate resolution in sight, their families back in the UK remain distressed, concerned for their well-being and fearing the dire consequences they may face without substantial intervention from the British authorities.
The plight of Des and Mary Byrne epitomizes a distressing case of victimization turned into further injustice. Despite being victims of a violent assault, they now find themselves ensnared in legal troubles with a potential prison sentence looming. Their desperate situation highlights significant concerns regarding the protection and support available for British citizens abroad. Families and advocates continue to call for immediate intervention to resolve this miscarriage of justice and restore the Byrnes’ peace.
Original Source: thethaiger.com
