Mary and Desmond Byrne, a couple from Middlesbrough, are relieved after receiving fines instead of jail sentences following a violent altercation with neighbors in Thailand. Despite sustaining injuries, the couple is optimistic about their return to the UK, although concerns about potential appeals linger. Community support has been critical throughout their ordeal.
A British couple, Mary Byrne, aged 69, and her husband Desmond, aged 77, who relocated from Middlesbrough to Thailand in 2021, expressed their relief at being fined rather than imprisoned after being attacked by their neighbors. The incident arose from a dispute over a small garden, resulting in the couple being “punched and kicked”. Ultimately, they received minor fines of approximately £200 each instead of facing jail time.
The Byrnes were involved in an altercation with a younger couple who were identified as Thai kickboxers. In a statement, Mrs. Byrne described the assault, noting she was “continually stamped” on the head and her husband was “ferociously thumped 22 times” during the fracas, which was recorded on CCTV. Following the court ruling, Mrs. Byrne’s brother, Tim Maley, indicated that the couple would soon reclaim their passports, though he advised against premature celebration until they were safely en route back to the UK.
Despite being initially charged, the Byrnes were pleased with their outcome but expressed concerns that their adversaries might challenge the judgment. Mr. Maley conveyed their relief, stating, “The judge did find them guilty to a minor degree and fined them but not to any great consequence and they are incredibly elated.” He also highlighted how the local support from Teesside was pivotal in raising awareness of their ordeal.
Following the attack, pictures revealed extensive bruising on the couple’s faces, prompting the Byrnes to feel vulnerable and shocked by the subsequent charges against them for injury. Mrs. Byrne firmly believed that the confrontation was in self-defense, asserting, “I strongly believe, 100%, it was in defence.” The former local MP, Luke Myer, advocated for the couple, engaging the Foreign Office on their behalf which confirmed ongoing communication with the couple and local authorities.
The media coverage of the Byrnes’ situation has garnered global attention, but Mr. Maley remarked that the community support from Teesside has been invaluable, acknowledging that it created a ripple effect of assistance. He stated, “That help has come from the local area and rippled out and washed over the world – the magic bullet we needed.”
In summary, the couple from Middlesbrough were unexpectedly relieved to receive fines instead of imprisonment after being attacked in Thailand. Despite the difficulties they faced during their ordeal, support from family, local officials, and the community played a critical role in their case. The couple remains anxious about potential appeals from their neighbors but is optimistic about returning to the UK soon.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
