Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple in Thailand, are facing potential imprisonment for causing injuries, despite being victims of a violent attack captured on CCTV. They encountered difficulties after confronting intruders damaging their property. Following their attackers’ guilty plea, the couple was charged with counterclaims. Their family seeks urgent government intervention for justice.
A British couple residing in Thailand, Des and Mary Byrne, face imprisonment despite being victims of a brutal attack that was recorded on CCTV. The couple moved to Thailand in 2020 to fulfill their retirement dream but encountered an unfortunate dispute regarding land access, resulting in serious consequences. Mary Byrne’s brother, Tim Maley, confirmed their conviction for causing “superficial injuries and mental anguish” and is seeking assistance regarding their legal predicament.
In December 2023, the Byrnes confronted two intruders in their garden who were damaging their property. The attackers, who are reported to be physically fit and trained in Thai boxing, launched a violent assault against them. Mr. Byrne was knocked unconscious and sustained a total of 22 blows, while Mrs. Byrne suffered severe physical abuse, leading to her reduced heart function.
Initially, the assailants denied the charges but later changed their plea to guilty and were ordered to pay compensation. However, in an unexpected turn, the Byrnes were charged with counterclaims that allege they caused injuries to their attackers. This situation culminated in a court appearance where the couple faced the grim prospect of imprisonment.
At 77 and 69 years of age, Mr. and Mrs. Byrne, who had dedicated their careers to serving others, are facing dire circumstances. They sold their villa in Hua to fund their legal battle in hopes of clearing their names. Mary Byrne expressed her despair about feeling trapped and described their situation as a living nightmare devoid of support.
The Byrnes attempted to report the incident to Thai authorities, but initial responses were insufficient. Since July of last year, their family has actively campaigned for intervention from the British Government. Despite appeals made to both David Cameron and current Foreign Secretary David Lammy, there has been a lack of government action, leaving the family in a precarious situation. Tim Maley stressed their urgent need for government intervention to prevent a grievous miscarriage of justice.
The plight of Des and Mary Byrne illustrates a troubling case of how victims may find themselves facing charges instead of receiving justice. Despite suffering a brutal attack, they now contend with potential imprisonment after being wrongfully accused. Their family’s ongoing efforts to secure governmental intervention underscore the need for justice and support for individuals caught in such harrowing circumstances while abroad.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
