Teesside Couple Faces Jail After Brutal Assault in Thailand

Des and Mary Byrne, a retired couple from Teesside, face potential imprisonment in Thailand after being victims of a violent assault. They were attacked by individuals damaging their property, but instead of receiving justice, they have been charged with causing superficial injuries. The couple seeks government intervention to prevent a miscarriage of justice as their lives have been turned upside down.

Des and Mary Byrne, a couple from Teesside, embarked on their dream retirement in Thailand in 2020 but now face potential imprisonment despite being victims of a severe beating captured on CCTV. The couple was involved in a land access dispute after hearing a commotion in their garden in December 2023, where they confronted two individuals who were reportedly damaging their property.

During the confrontation, Mr. Byrne was brutally assaulted, receiving 22 blows from a male attacker, while Mrs. Byrne was also subjected to physical violence, resulting in serious injuries for both. Initially, the attackers were arrested but later changed their plea to guilty and were ordered to pay compensation. However, in a surprising development, the Byrnes were arrested on counter charges, including causing superficial injuries and mental anguish.

Now facing court on March 12, the Byrnes are fearful of imprisonment. They have exhausted their finances in attempts to clear their names and sold their villa in Hua Hin. Mrs. Byrne expressed that they feel trapped and described their current situation as a living nightmare. Mr. Byrne highlighted the lack of interest from law enforcement following their complaints.

Since being summoned to court, their family has rallied for support from the British government, appealing to officials including David Cameron and current Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Their family member, Tim Maley, expressed urgency in seeking intervention, depicting the situation as a potential miscarriage of justice against innocent victims whose lives have been upended.

The couple’s ordeal underscores a troubling narrative of victimization being met with further punishment, emphasizing the need for governmental support in such distressing circumstances.

The plight of Des and Mary Byrne serves to highlight the alarming consequences victims of violent crime may face when the legal system fails them. Despite enduring a brutal assault, the Byrnes are now confronting unjust criminal charges, indicating a possible miscarriage of justice. As they seek intervention from government officials, their case reflects a desperate demand for assistance amid a troubling legal landscape.

Original Source: www.gazettelive.co.uk