Des and Mary Byrne, a couple from Teesside, face jail in Thailand despite being victims of a brutal assault by two individuals trained in Thai boxing. Following the attack, the attackers initially pleaded guilty, yet the Byrnes were charged with causing superficial injuries. Their family is seeking intervention from the British government as they fear a miscarriage of justice.
A Teesside couple, Des and Mary Byrne, face potential incarceration in Thailand despite being victims of a violent assault captured on CCTV. They relocated to the tropical country in 2020, realizing their dream of retiring, but became embroiled in a land access dispute. In December 2023, while investigating disturbances in their garden, they encountered two individuals, both skilled Thai boxers, who attacked them and caused severe injuries, leaving Mrs. Byrne with diminished heart function.
Following the assault, the couple reported the incident, but their assailants, initially arrested, later changed their pleas to guilty, resulting in a compensation order. However, in an unexpected twist, the Byrnes were subsequently arrested by 15 police officers and charged with causing “superficial injuries and mental anguish,” despite their status as victims. Retired chemical engineer Mr. Byrne, 77, and retired nurse Mrs. Byrne, 69, are preparing for a court hearing on March 12, where they have been informed that imprisonment is likely.
The Byrnes are in a dire situation, having sold their home in Hua Hin to finance their legal defense and desperately seeking to return home. Mrs. Byrne expressed her despair, stating they feel imprisoned with no apparent support. Their family has been appealing to British government officials for intervention, fearing a serious miscarriage of justice. Tim Maley, Mrs. Byrne’s brother, emphasized the urgent need for help, pointing out the injustice faced by the couple despite their innocence and the devastation to their lives.
The situation faced by Des and Mary Byrne highlights a distressing miscarriage of justice. As victims of a brutal attack, they are facing charges that could lead to imprisonment, a twist that has deeply affected their lives and well-being. Their family’s ongoing appeals for governmental support underline the urgent need for assistance in rectifying this situation and securing the couple’s safe return home.
Original Source: www.gazettelive.co.uk
