Mary and Desmond Byrne, a couple from Middlesbrough living in Thailand, face imminent prison charges after being attacked by neighbors in an altercation regarding garden access. Despite being victims, they have been charged with injuring their neighbors, leading to confiscation of their passports and a feeling of being trapped. Their case garners media attention and support from political representatives as they await court decisions.
A British couple residing in Thailand faces potential imprisonment following an altercation with their neighbors. Mary Byrne, aged 69, and her husband Desmond, aged 77, who relocated from Middlesbrough in 2021, encountered a dispute concerning access to their garden. The incident escalated into violence in December 2023, during which they were assaulted, leading to legal actions against both parties.
The couple reported that the confrontation, captured on CCTV, involved severe physical aggression from their neighbors, who are described as Thai kickboxers. Mrs. Byrne recounted, “the woman continually stamped on my head while her husband was ferociously thumped 22 times.” Despite their defense, the authorities have subsequently charged the Byrnes with injuring the neighbors, following an initial denial of wrongdoing by the assailants.
In May of last year, the couple was summoned to a police station, where they were informed of the charges against them, resulting in the confiscation of their passports. Expressing disbelief, Mrs. Byrne remarked, “The superficial injuries to both of these people is laughable,” highlighting the absurdity of their predicament. They are now awaiting court proceedings scheduled for Wednesday, expressing feelings of entrapment due to the situation.
Support for the Byrnes has been voiced by Luke Myer, their former Member of Parliament, who is actively engaging with the Foreign Office to advocate for their case. He acknowledged the complexities surrounding the Thai legal system but stressed the importance of raising awareness to ensure fair treatment for the couple. A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed their ongoing assistance to the couple and communication with local authorities.
Mrs. Byrne expressed a modicum of optimism despite the challenging circumstances, stating, “We are not pessimistic; we both know we’ve done nothing wrong,” while also preparing for any potential outcomes from the legal proceedings.
The case of Mary and Desmond Byrne highlights significant legal and diplomatic complexities faced by expatriates involved in local disputes. While they have been charged following a violent altercation with their neighbors, support from their former MP and the British Foreign Office underscores the importance of fair treatment in foreign legal systems. As they await court outcomes, the Byrnes remain hopeful yet prepared for any eventuality.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
