TAVISTOCK businessman Nick Henderson was taken into custody last Friday by the strong arm of the law.

As part of Children’s Hospice South West fundraising, Nick was granted bail (set at £999) following a charge of ‘cringe-worthy impersonations’, which he faced along with other regional business leaders at the event in Plymouth last week.

Nick, managing director of Mansbridge Balment saw his bail increased by £350 following an altercation with the judge and an attempt to escape the courtroom.  In spite of this ‘setback’, Nick finally managed to raise sufficient funds through friends and contacts to re-gain his freedom at the final hour.

‘I have to say a huge thanks to everyone involved,’ he said. ‘The support and generosity of people has been terrific. When asked to participate by my good friend Lorna, from the hospice, how could I possibly refuse? 

‘This organisation provides incredible support to the families of children with life-limiting issues and they need on-going financial support. This is one of a number of ways the hospice has to assist its fundraising and it was great fun to be part of the whole thing, which was really well organised. 

‘The local police played their part too, and added to the realism of the day — it’s wonderful when people from different aspects of the community come together in this way, it was a privilege to have taken part.’

Nick was ‘arrested’ by officers, put on trial and taken to a cell at Devonport Dockyards until his bail was reached.

CHSW’s Jail and Bail is an entertaining courtroom event which sees fundraisers arrested, charged with their fictitious crimes and then placed on trial. If the jailbirds are found guilty they will be taken into custody, photographed and banished to the cells. They are only be released if they can raise bail of £999 from their connections, including friends, family and colleagues. The fun courtroom drama raises vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West.