Teesside Couple Faces Jail in Thailand despite Being Assault Victims

Des and Mary Byrne, retirees from Teesside, face jail in Thailand despite being victims of a brutal assault. After a dispute over land access, they were attacked by assailants trained in Thai boxing. Counter-charges have been filed against them, leading to fears of wrongful imprisonment, prompting family appeals to the UK government for intervention.

Des and Mary Byrne, a couple from Teesside, retired to Thailand in 2020 seeking a peaceful life but found themselves embroiled in a legal nightmare. After a brutal attack captured on CCTV, they are now facing the possibility of imprisonment despite being the victims. Their troubles began over a land access dispute leading to an altercation with two assailants—one a fit man with Thai boxing training and the other his partner.

During the confrontation in December 2023, Mr. Byrne was severely beaten, sustaining multiple blows while unconscious. Mrs. Byrne suffered equally brutal treatment, resulting in her reduced heart function. Despite their initial attackers admitting guilt and being ordered to pay compensation, the situation escalated when the couple was arrested for counter-charges reported by the assailants.

The Byrnes, having invested their life savings into a villa in Hua Hin and now sold it to fund their legal fight, are set to face trial on March 12, fearing imprisonment. Mrs. Byrne expressed despair at their situation, feeling trapped and seeking help from their home country. Meanwhile, Mr. Byrne criticized the local police for their lack of support following their attack.

Their story has gained attention, sparking appeals from family members to British officials, including recent requests directed to Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The couple’s family insists that a miscarriage of justice is unfolding, urging immediate intervention.

With the potential threat of imprisonment looming, the Byrnes continue to call for support as they contend with the dire consequences of being wrongfully prosecuted as victims in Thailand.

The plight of Des and Mary Byrne highlights significant issues surrounding victim rights in foreign jurisdictions. Despite enduring a savage assault, they now face alarming counter-charges, leading to a fear of imprisonment. Efforts from their family to seek intervention from the British government underscore a growing concern about a potential miscarriage of justice. Their case emphasizes the need for support in instances where victims are unfairly prosecuted after acts of violence. Immediate action is sought to bring them back home safely.

Original Source: www.gazettelive.co.uk