A British couple living in Thailand has been fined and given a suspended sentence after being charged with assault during a dispute with their neighbors in Hua Hin. The case, stemming from an altercation over property access, has raised concerns over their legal predicament.
Mary Byrne, 69, and her husband Desmond, 77, who relocated from Middlesbrough in 2021, pleaded guilty in a Thai court on Wednesday to charges of assault and property damage. They were sentenced to a suspended 20-day jail term and fined 17,500 baht. Their passports were expected to be returned on Thursday, enabling their return to the UK.
The dispute originated in December 2023, when the Byrnes were drawn outside by a commotion in their garden. CCTV footage reportedly captured them being physically attacked by their neighbors, a younger couple trained in Thai kickboxing. Initially, their neighbors faced prosecution, but the Byrnes later found themselves facing charges as well.
Mrs. Byrne recounted the ordeal, alleging that she was stomped on the head while her husband endured multiple blows. She maintained that their actions were purely defensive. “Des did kick his leg up in defense, and as far as we know, he did not make contact,” she said.
While the younger couple initially denied involvement, they later pleaded guilty. However, in May 2023, the Byrnes were unexpectedly charged with inflicting ‘superficial injuries and mental anguish.’ Their passports were confiscated, and their fingerprints recorded as part of the legal process.
The couple is awaiting further legal proceedings and expressed feeling trapped by the ongoing case. “We can’t get out; we can’t leave,” Mrs. Byrne stated.
Luke Myer, their former MP, discussed the case with BBC Radio Tees, affirming his efforts to raise the issue with the UK Foreign Office. “It is ultimately a matter for the Thai legal system, but ensuring they receive fair treatment is crucial,” he said.
A spokesperson from the UK Foreign Office confirmed they are assisting the couple and maintaining contact with Thai authorities. Mrs. Byrne remains hopeful but acknowledges the uncertainty ahead. “We are not pessimistic; we both know we’ve done nothing wrong. But we have to prepare for whatever they’re going to do to us.”
