Des and Mary Byrne, a retired British couple living in Thailand, face imprisonment after being attacked by their neighbors. The couple was initially victims of severe assault but subsequently accused by their attackers of causing mental anguish. They are now struggling with severe injuries and legal complications as they fight to clear their names.
Elderly British pensioners Des and Mary Byrne are facing potential imprisonment in Thailand following a brutal attack they endured at the hands of their neighbors. The couple, who relocated to Hua Hin in 2021, found themselves embroiled in a dispute regarding land access that escalated into an assault that left them injured and traumatized. Reports suggest they were assaulted by a couple, including a man believed to be British and his Thai partner, during an incident captured on CCTV.
The violence erupted when the Byrnes confronted their neighbors, who were reportedly vandalizing their property. Mr. Byrne sustained serious injuries, including a knock-out blow and multiple strikes while incapacitated. His wife, who is a retired nurse, also suffered significant injuries, including a broken nose and complications involving her brain. The couple was later stunned to learn they were being charged with causing ‘superficial injuries and mental anguish’ to their attackers after refusing to pay a bribe, subsequently leading to police involvement and charges against them.
The Byrnes’ situation underscores the precariousness of legal and social systems in foreign nations, particularly for vulnerable expatriates. As British nationals, they are facing significant legal challenges in Thailand, where they must navigate a complex and seemingly biased legal framework. The ongoing public and political support for the couple amplifies concerns regarding their case and the treatment of foreign citizens abroad.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
