HANDCUFFS, courtroom drama and a packed Guildhall helped raise more than £9,000 for Salisbury Hospice Charity during a lively fundraiser in the city centre.

The charity’s much-loved Jail & Bail event returned on Friday (June 12), turning heads across the city as five well-known local business figures were dramatically “arrested” for a string of tongue-in-cheek workplace crimes.

From “strategic overthinking” to terrible office banter and even “aggravated tax optimisation”, the fictional offences brought plenty of laughter as crowds gathered to watch the action unfold.

Wiltshire Police volunteered their time to ‘arrest’ the suspects before they were hauled before a mock court at Salisbury Guildhall.

Presiding over proceedings was Judge Wendy Warwick White, while Salisbury town crier Jef Hutchby added to the spectacle by announcing each prisoner to onlookers.

After being found guilty, the defendants were locked in a specially built jail cell in the city centre and challenged to raise bail money throughout the day.

There was even an energetic workout session in the “exercise yard” to keep spirits high.

By the end of the event, an impressive £9,334 had been raised to support specialist care for patients and families supported by Salisbury Hospice.

Salisbury Hospice Charity corporate partnerships manager Louise Compton said: “I’m amazed by the incredible generosity we’ve seen this year. The amount raised exemplifies how much Salisbury Hospice matters to the community, which is deeply heart-warming to see.

“The phenomenal support of local businesses and their networks mean so much to us at Salisbury Hospice Charity. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”

Among those taking part were representatives from businesses including Xeinadin, Fawcetts, Serco, Steele Rose and Business Through Referrals.

The charity also thanked volunteers, Wiltshire Police, Salisbury Guildhall, local food donors and businesses that helped make the day happen.

Donations are still open to support the fundraiser and Salisbury Hospice’s work in the community.