British Couple in Thailand Convicted Despite Being Assault Victims

Desmond and Mary Byrne, a British couple living in Thailand, were convicted of injuring their neighbours despite being assaulted themselves. They received a suspended jail term and a fine, prompting their distress over their retirement experience. Their case illustrates the challenges expatriates may face in legal disputes abroad.

A British couple residing in Thailand, Desmond and Mary Byrne, were found guilty of injuring their neighbours, despite being victims in a property dispute. A local court in Hua Hin convicted the couple on Wednesday, sentencing the 77-year-old Desmond and 69-year-old Mary for causing minor injuries and emotional distress to their neighbours. Additionally, they faced a contempt of court charge for discussing their case with the media, which they denied.

The court imposed a suspended jail sentence of 20 days along with a fine of 17,500 baht (approximately USD 520). The couple, originally from Middlesbrough, now has the option to retrieve their passports and return to the UK after paying the fine. In a statement to The Sun, Mary expressed the distressing impact of their situation, saying, “Our idyllic retirement in paradise has landed us in a living hell.”

The Byrnes moved to Thailand in 2021, purchasing a villa in Hua Hin for £200,000 (around USD 258,585), seeking a peaceful retirement near the capital, Bangkok.

In summary, despite being victims of violence in a property dispute, Desmond and Mary Byrne were convicted in a Thai court for causing injuries and faced additional charges for media commentary. Their situation highlights the complexities of legal disputes in foreign countries and the unforeseen hardships that expatriates may experience during retirement. The Byrnes now hope to return to the UK after satisfying their legal obligations.

Original Source: www.scmp.com