British Couple Faces Imprisonment After Assault in Thailand

British couple Des and Mary Byrne, retired in Thailand, face potential imprisonment following a brutal assault they suffered. Despite being victims, they are counter-charged after the assailants shifted their plea to guilty. The Byrnes’ plight has prompted their family to campaign for governmental intervention, highlighting a possible miscarriage of justice against them.

Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple originally from Middlesbrough, are facing the possibility of imprisonment in Thailand after being victims of a vicious assault. The Byrnes had retired in 2020 to their dream villa along the “Thai Riviera,” but their idyllic life was disrupted by a dispute over land access. The couple experienced a brutal attack in December 2023 when they confronted individuals damaging their garden, purportedly trained Thai boxers.

During this confrontation, Mr. Des Byrne claims he was knocked unconscious and suffered multiple strikes while on the ground, receiving a total of 22 blows. Mrs. Byrne similarly faced violence at the hands of one of the assailants, resulting in severe injuries and long-term health effects. Despite their victimization, they found themselves in a legal battle that sees them counter-charged with causing “superficial injuries and mental anguish.”

The Byrnes, who face a court date on March 12, have reportedly been under considerable stress and financial strain, as they have engaged in extensive efforts to establish their innocence. They sold their Hua Hin villa to cover legal expenses. Furthermore, their family’s attempts to appeal for support from UK authorities, including direct appeals to high-profile politicians, have yet to yield results.

Triumphing over their ordeal, Mrs. Byrne’s brother, Tim Maley, has voiced the urgent need for intervention from the UK government. He highlighted the couple’s victim status and the severe ramifications of their current legal predicament, warning of a potential miscarriage of justice that risks their well-being and future freedom.

The case of Des and Mary Byrne starkly illustrates the profound difficulties faced by expatriates ensnared in legal challenges abroad, especially when they find themselves as victims of violent crime. Their situation has drawn attention to the pressing need for prompt and effective intervention from governmental authorities to prevent a grave misjustice. As they await their court date, the couple and their family continue to advocate for support and resolution to their harrowing circumstances.

Original Source: www.express.co.uk