British Retirees Escape Thai Jail After Violent Land Dispute

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of The BBC

 

Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple, have narrowly avoided a prison sentence in Thailand, receiving fines of 9,000 baht (£200) instead. Their ordeal began in 2020 when they retired to Thailand’s Thai Riviera, only to be embroiled in a violent dispute over land access, shattering their dream retirement.

 

Originally from Middlesbrough, the Byrnes had invested everything in a villa to enjoy their final years. However, a December confrontation with neighbours over damage to their garden escalated into a brutal attack. Des, 77, and Mary, 69, were savagely beaten by a British man and his Thai partner, caught on CCTV. Despite this, both were accused of inflicting harm.

 

In a peculiar twist, it was the Byrnes who ended up facing prosecution, while their attackers, who pleaded guilty, paid compensation. Both Des, a retired engineer, and Mary, a former nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic, found themselves facing potential jail time.

 

 

Relieved by the court’s decision, Mary's brother, Tim Maley, noted the judge’s modest sentencing, allowing the couple to reclaim their passports and plan their return to the UK. This followed a campaign by their family to engage the British Government, appealing to various officials.

 

Despite selling their beloved Hua Hin villa to fund legal fees, Des and Mary are preparing for their homecoming, hoping to leave the harrowing experience behind. The couple's saga highlights the potential dangers expatriates may face abroad.

 

Now cautiously optimistic, Des and Mary are ready to resume life in the UK, looking forward to a fresh start beyond the distressing events in Thailand. Their story underscores the challenges of living overseas but ends on a hopeful note as they anticipate returning to familiar, comforting surroundings, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-13

 

 

[Gaccha]

Let's be clear:

 

You cannot sell what you don't own. 

 

There was clearly no risk of prison, as anyone could see from reading about their case. 

 

The legal fees won't have cost much. 

 

Their campaign to get diplomats and politicians involved had no effect on the verdict.

[JoePai]

Thai legal system is crazy

[daveAustin]

Issues with access by the looks—property can be acquired btw if you know what you’re doing.

 Not going to comment further on this since we don’t know it all… probably connections through the other party’s woman (the perp)? Farang also by the looks. Maybe you’ll get a dose of karma in the future, dude! Beating up on old folks indeed!

[Pouatchee]

Poor reporting. Very little info as to why the "attackers" despite cctv got off nearly scott free. The attackers being 1 foreign and 1 thai kind of dents the idea that the court was partial unless the thai had serious contacts.

 

Still very vague plot... and sell there property for legal fees? The "victims'" finances must have been very precarious...

 

If something feels fishy, it likely is.

[ikke1959]

Thai justice... happily no jail term because you defended yourself.. Youngsters against two old people in a country that preach and learn kids to respect the elderly and even the British man should know better as violence is never a good way to solve conflicts. And a good promotion not to retire in Thailand .... Stupidity of Thailand without borders.. 

[bkk6060]

Really happy things turned out OK for them. Hope they enjoy the rest of their lives back home.