British Couple Faces Imprisonment in Thailand Despite Being Attack Victims
British couple Des and Mary Byrne are at risk of imprisonment in Thailand after being attacked in their home. Despite CCTV evidence of the assault, they were charged with causing injuries to their attackers. The couple, now financially strained, is seeking help from the British government amidst fears of a miscarriage of justice.
A British couple residing in Thailand, Des and Mary Byrne, are facing the dire prospect of imprisonment despite being victims of a violent attack, which was captured on CCTV. Although they reported the incident in December 2023, the authorities have charged them with causing “superficial injuries and mental anguish” instead of securing justice for the assault they endured.
The couple, originally from Middlesbrough, moved to Thailand in 2020 to fulfill their dream retirement. However, their idyllic life turned into a nightmare following a confrontation regarding land access in their garden. Following the incident, Mr. Byrne sustained severe injuries, including being knocked unconscious after facing multiple blows from an assailant, while Mrs. Byrne was subjected to a brutal attack that caused her serious injuries.
Initially, their attackers were charged with the assault but later pleaded guilty and were ordered to pay compensation. In a shocking reversal, the Byrnes were subsequently arrested by police on counter charges. At 77 and 69 years old, the retired couple has exhausted their savings to defend themselves and even sold their villa in Hua Hin, fearing a grim fate in prison.
Before the court hearing, Mrs. Byrne expressed profound despair, stating they felt trapped and likening their situation to a “living hell.” Her husband, Mr. Byrne, conveyed frustration, noting the police initially disregarded their complaint after the attack. The couple’s family remains actively campaigning for intervention from the British government, appealing to officials including David Lammy. Their distress signals a potential miscarriage of justice, as they await urgent help to return home.
The case of Des and Mary Byrne raises significant concerns over judicial processes and victim rights in Thailand. Despite suffering a brutal attack, they now find themselves facing stark legal repercussions. As their family seeks urgent governmental assistance, this situation underscores the complexity and peril of international legal challenges, particularly for expatriates. The Byrnes’ ordeal reflects a troubling dynamic where victims become embroiled in a harrowing legal struggle, prompting implications for diplomatic intervention.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
