British couple facing jail term in Thailand after being attacked by neighbours

A British couple who retired to Thailand claimed they had been told to prepare for prison despite being the victims of a violent attack by their neighbours.

Mary Byrne, 69, and her 77-year-old husband, Desmond, who moved from Middlesbrough in 2021, said they became embroiled in a dispute with a younger couple over access and a small garden.

In December 2023, the Byrnes were alerted to a disturbance in their garden but were instead met with a violent assault, during which they were kicked and punched in an incident captured on CCTV.

Although their neighbours were initially prosecuted, Mr and Mrs Byrne are now facing charges themselves and claim they have been warned by the British Embassy that the outcome could go “either way”.

Mrs Byrne described their neighbours as Thai kickboxers and recounted the extent of the assault. 

“The woman continually stamped on my head while her husband was ferociously thumped 22 times,” she said. “At one stage Des did kick his leg up in defence and as far as we know he did not have contact. I strongly believe, 100%, it was in defence.”

While the younger couple initially denied the charges, they are understood to have later pleaded guilty. 

However, in May last year, the Byrnes were summoned to a police station and informed they were being charged with injuring their neighbours.

The couple said they were left shocked when their fingerprints were taken and passports confiscated. “We were extremely shocked,” said Mrs Byrne. “The superficial injuries to both of these people is laughable.”

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They are due back in court on Wednesday and say they have been left feeling isolated by the legal process. “We can’t get out, we can’t leave. So in one way or another, we feel trapped,” Mrs Byrne said.

Their former MP, Luke Myer, told BBC Radio Tees: “I’m doing everything I can to raise Mary and Desmond’s case with the Foreign Office. Of course, it is a matter for the Thai legal system and we can’t interfere with that. I think raising the profile of the issue is really important to make sure they are treated fairly and ultimately they are able to come home.”

A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed they are supporting two British nationals in Thailand and remain in contact with local authorities.

Despite the uncertainty, Mrs Byrne said, “We are not pessimistic; we both know we’ve done nothing wrong. But we have to prepare for whatever they’re going to do for us.”

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