DANGEROUS criminals were rounded up in Huntingdon and thrown into the cells – with friends and colleagues opening their cheque books to ensure their prompt release. Fortunately, police officers did not throw away the keys and the seven volunteers, who col

DANGEROUS criminals were rounded up in Huntingdon and thrown into the cells - with friends and colleagues opening their cheque books to ensure their prompt release.

Fortunately, police officers did not throw away the keys and the seven volunteers, who collectively raised more than £6,000 for charity, were home in time for dinner.

Friday's jailbreak stunt, organised for Cancer Research UK by Huntingdon insurance consultants Stuart & Co, saw local businessmen and others on the wrong side of the law, dressed in particularly striking outfits.

Huntingdonshire magistrate Bill Sinclair was among those to be swiftly bundled into the police van and face harsh interrogation at St Neots police station.

He was joined by entrepreneur Lawrence Ward, who runs several businesses in the district, director of Huntingdon's World of Spas Lee Oakey, Lord de Ramsey's sister The Hon Jennifer Fellowes, cancer patient Paul Burbridge, Huntingdon branch manager of Barclays Bank Trevor Sewell, and John De'Ath from Huntingdon Sales Room.

They faced shocking allegations including counts of impersonating RoboCop, attempted murder while pursuing the sport of fishing, drug possession and embezzlement of funds within a local political party.

While banged up in the cells - and forced to reflect on their crimes - the accused were supplied with mobile phones and ordered to raise bail. For the unlucky John De'Ath, his wife and colleagues forked out to extend his stay behind bars.

Debra Lepik, event organiser and marketing manager at Stuart and Co, said: "A huge thank you to our magnificent seven and to all those who paid for their release.

"St Neots police officers were absolutely fabulous and really did play their part. It was quite a sight to see our volunteers bundled into the van."

Sector Inspector for St Neots Mark Woolmer, who co-ordinated the police effort and interviewed the suspects, described the activity as "entertaining and worthwhile".

The jailbreak cash, along with that raised at a charity ball in October, will be donated to the Cambridgeshire division of Cancer Research UK.

INFORMATION: The charity ball in aid of Cancer Research will take place at the Burgess Hall, St Ives, on October 5. Tickets are £45 and available from Stuart & Co on 01480 433443.