SIX 'convicts' were locked up in Dorchester to raise more than £10,000 for good causes.

The makeshift criminals were jailed inside the former cells at Dorchester's Shire Hall Courthouse Museum for a charity fundraiser.

The day began with a ‘sentencing’ of the participants in the court, who all had to raise a total of £999 by the end of the day in order to be released.

The sextet, all from the business community, have since raised £9,200 for Dorset-based Weldmar Hospicecare, plus more than £1,000 for the museum itself, a registered charity.

The 'Jail and Bail' event was put together by Fiona Hansford, Weldmar’s business development fundraiser.

Money was also raised by David Upshall for Shire Hall’s own Memory Café – a monthly drop in facility for people with memory difficulties, and their carers and family members.

Fiona said: “What a brilliant day, and a fantastic amount of money raised for Weldmar Hospicecare, which will all go towards specialist care for adults in Dorset who have a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones.

"A special thank you to Shire Hall for hosting the event for us so well, complete with a judge and sentencing as well as use of the cells.

"Of course, a massive thank you to all of the participants and their employers, who really got behind it and helped make it such a resounding success.”

Dorset Echo: 'Convicts' held inside the holding cell'Convicts' held inside the holding cell (Image: Weldmar Hospicecare)

Carl McClements, found guilty of being a ‘fair weather football fan’, representing Phoenix Care Ltd, added: “A big shout out to the judge, who played the part really well. 

"I was gobsmacked with the amount of money we raised, I did not expect that at all. Weldmar is close to our hearts in our family, so it was unbelievable.”

Bethany Weaver, from RiskSTOP Group, was charged with ‘first degree bubbly behaviour’, and said: “I went into it feeling rather nervous, but at the end of the day, having raised so much money to help, I’m so glad I did it.”

‘Grant Theft Candy’ was on the charge sheet for Danielle Holder of Gungho Marketing, who desribed the day as 'incredible' after Weldmar helped her mother in her time of need.

Weldmar also had their own ‘convict’, with director of retail Gavin Anderson-Terry jailed for the day for ‘crimes against fashion'.

He said: “Being here, in the historic courtroom, and then down in the cells, was amazing, having never been here before.

"The camaraderie with the rest of the guys taking part was fantastic, egging each other on and pushing each other to raise the money for Weldmar.”