British Pensioners Found Guilty of Assault Despite Evidence of Attack in Thailand
Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple, were found guilty of assault in Thailand after being attacked by their neighbors. They received a suspended sentence and a £400 fine but will avoid jail. The incident led to serious injuries for Mary and has drawn political attention from the UK due to concerns over judicial fairness.
Two British retirees, Des and Mary Byrne, have been found guilty of assault in Thailand, despite evidence from CCTV footage demonstrating that they were attacked. The couple, originally from Middlesbrough, avoided imprisonment, receiving a 20-day suspended sentence and the possibility of probation. They are set to retrieve their passports after paying a £400 fine, enabling their return to the UK.
The Byrnes described their ordeal as a nightmare, facing financial distress and prohibitive legal obstacles following an altercation with neighbors over property rights. Mary sustained significant injuries, including a broken nose and bleeding on the brain, while Des suffered extensive head trauma requiring hospitalization. Their attackers, trained in Thai kickboxing, were initially found guilty but appealed, leading to a controversial reversal that saw the Byrnes charged instead.
In December 2023, tensions escalated over a planning dispute when the neighbors verbally assaulted the Byrnes and physically attacked them. Family members back in the UK rallied for support, seeking intervention from politicians, including Labour’s Rupa Huq, amid concerns over what they labeled as “bent justice” in Thailand. The couple expressed relief after the court proceedings, looking forward to returning to their life in Middlesbrough.
The case of the Byrnes highlights severe challenges faced by expatriates navigating foreign legal systems, especially when confronting local disputes. Despite ultimately being convicted, the couple’s ability to return to the UK offers a semblance of closure after an exhausting ordeal. Their story raises awareness of potential injustices faced by individuals abroad and the necessity for support from diplomatic entities.
Original Source: www.thesun.co.uk
