British Couple Faces Jail in Thailand After Assault Incident

Mary and Desmond Byrne, retirees in Thailand, face imprisonment after being attacked by neighbors. Despite being victims, they are now charged with injuring their assailants. Support from their former MP and the British Embassy continues as they await judicial resolution.

Mary Byrne, 69, and her husband Desmond, 77, retirees from Middlesbrough, are facing imprisonment in Thailand after a violent incident with neighbors. The couple claims the dispute over access to a small garden resulted in them being assaulted, recorded on CCTV. Following the attack, Mr. and Mrs. Byrne were subsequently charged with injuries to the neighbors, despite the neighbors facing prosecution for the assault.

In December 2023, the Byrnes experienced a shocking altercation in their garden where Mrs. Byrne alleges that a neighbor “continually stamped on my head” while Mr. Byrne was struck multiple times. They maintain that Mr. Byrne’s defensive reaction was not aggressive, and Mrs. Byrne affirms, “I strongly believe, 100%, it was in defence.” After initially denying the charges, the younger couple eventually pleaded guilty.

In May of the previous year, the Byrnes were summoned by the police, informed of their charges, fingerprinted, and had their passports confiscated. Mrs. Byrne expressed disbelief at the situation, stating, “The superficial injuries to both of these people is laughable.” As they await court proceedings, they express feelings of entrapment in a system over which they feel they have little control.

Luke Myer, their former MP, is advocating for their case with the Foreign Office, ensuring that their situation garners necessary attention. He emphasized the importance of fair treatment under the Thai legal system. A Foreign Office representative confirmed that they are in contact with the Byrnes, stating, “We are supporting two British nationals in Thailand.” Meanwhile, Mrs. Byrne remains hopeful, stating, “We are not pessimistic, we both know we’ve done nothing wrong.” They are preparing for whatever legal decisions await them.

The case of Mary and Desmond Byrne illustrates the complexities faced by expatriates entangled in legal disputes abroad. Despite being the victims of an assault, they now find themselves charged with inflicting injuries upon their attackers. As they navigate the Thai legal system, they rely on support from their former MP and the British Embassy, while facing uncertainty about their future in Thailand. Their situation highlights the importance of legal protections for foreign nationals and the challenges of international law.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk