British couple who retired to Thailand dealing with jail – after they have been attacked | EUROtoday

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A British couple who retired to Thailand have been instructed they face jail – after their neighbours attacked them.

Mary Byrne, 69, and her husband Desmond, 77, say they have been concerned in an argument over entry to a small backyard with their neighbours.

In December 2023, a commotion within the couple’s backyard led to them being kicked and punched. The incident was caught on CCTV and photographs present accidents they suffered. Their neighbours initially denied the costs however later pleaded responsible.

But in May final yr, the Byrnes say they have been referred to as to a police station and notified they’d be charged over injuring the neighbours.

The neighbours have been Thai kickboxers, in response to Ms Byrne, who added {that a} girl concerned “continually stamped on my head” whereas Mr Byrne was “ferociously thumped 22 times”.

“At one stage Des did kick his leg up in defence and as far as we know he did not have contact,” Ms Byrne instructed the BBC. “I strongly believe, 100%, it was in defence.”

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The couple, who had emigrated from Middlesbrough in 2021, say they’d their passports confiscated and their fingerprints taken on the police station.

“We were extremely shocked,” Ms Byrne stated. “The superficial injuries to both of these people is laughable.

“We usually are not pessimistic, we each know we have completed nothing mistaken. But we’ve got to organize for no matter they’ll do for us.”

The couple are due to hear the outcome of the case against them in court on Wednesday.

The Byrnes’ former MP Luke Myer told BBC Radio Tees: “I’m doing all the things I can to lift 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 believe elevating the profile of the problem is de facto necessary to verify they’re handled pretty and finally they’re able to come residence.”

The Foreign Office stated they’re supporting the couple and are in touch with native authorities.