British Couple Faces Imprisonment in Thailand Despite Being Assault Victims
Des and Mary Byrne, British retirees in Thailand, face imprisonment after being attacked in their garden. Despite evidence proving they were victims, they have been charged with causing ‘superficial injuries.’ Their family appeals for government intervention as their situation becomes increasingly dire.
A British couple, Des and Mary Byrne, who moved to Thailand to retire have found themselves facing potential imprisonment despite being victims of a violent attack captured on CCTV. Their ordeal began when they confronted a couple damaging their property, resulting in a brutal assault that left them severely injured. As they await the legal proceedings, concerns grow for their safety and well-being.
The Byrnes, from Middlesbrough, relocated in 2020 to fulfill their retirement dream in Thailand. Unfortunately, a land dispute escalated into violence when they discovered two individuals, alleged to be experienced Thai boxers, vandalizing their garden. The confrontation led to Mr. Byrne being knocked unconscious and Mrs. Byrne facing a vicious attack, causing significant physical harm to both.
In a shocking twist, rather than the attackers facing charges, the Byrnes were charged with causing ‘superficial injuries and mental anguish’ after a police raid on their home. Despite having suffered serious injuries during the assault, they are now living in fear of incarceration. Their financial burden has grown as they have sold their home to cover legal fees attempting to clear their names.
Des Byrne expressed frustration with law enforcement, stating that their complaints following the assault were initially met with disinterest. Since being summoned to court last July, their family has continuously sought assistance from the British Government, including appeals to prominent officials. However, they have yet to receive any support in their fight for justice.
The situation surrounding the Byrnes highlights a distressing miscarriage of justice, where victims are at risk of being imprisoned while the assailants face lenient consequences. Their plight reflects a desperate need for governmental intervention to ensure that justice prevails and to assist the couple in returning to their home safely. The Byrnes’ case emphasizes the importance of legal protections for victims of violence, particularly when jurisdictional complicity exists.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
