Member Article

Nine of Derby's Local Business Leaders Face Shock Arrest and Three Abscond Ahead of Charity Lock-Up

Nine members of the city’s business community were unexpectedly arrested at their places of work this week and three escaped, with Cactus Images on hand to capture the events as they unfolded.

This all comes less than two weeks before they were scheduled to be apprehended and locked-up in the cells at Riverside Chambers in aid of the Mayor of Derby’s charity fundraiser.

‘The Big Lockup’, which is taking place on Friday 20 April, has been organised to raise money for the Mayor’s five chosen charities: Safe and Sound; Children First; Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre; The British Red Cross and Derby Museums Trust.

Having faced their ‘mock’ arrests snapped by Cactus Images paparazzi, the inmates have now been released ‘on bail’. However, three of the inmates – Dean Jackson of HUUB Designs, David Nelson of Smith Cooper and Christine Durrant of Derby City Council – heard about the arrests and absconded, putting them straight at the top of the ‘most wanted’ list.

But it’s not over yet and the criminals will be escorted to Riverside Chambers prison cells on Friday 20 April to pay for their offences.

Not only will they have to serve time, they will also be required to carry out a series of tasks and trials. These include a ‘Delicious Deli Relay’ and the deadly ‘Fear Boxes’, all of which will be filmed and available to view for a small donation and will entitle inmates to food rations and treats on the day.

Companies and the public will also have the chance to nominate an inmate to be ‘tortured’ in return for more donations. No details of what this will entail are available at present, but will be revealed on the day.

So far, the appeal has received £3,878 in donations with a target of reaching £5,000 upon conclusion of the event.

Dean Jackson, owner of HUUB, is still in top spot having raised £650 alone and headed the leaderboard since the appeal was launched. Elsewhere, the leaderboard has fluctuated, but Al Ca-Mo Suleman, ‘The Money Man’ at Derby Museums, has jumped to second place, while Ann Bhatti of Connect Derby and Ian Morgan of Derbyshire County Cricket Club are both fighting for a spot in the top three.

Commenting on their participation in the event so far, Angela Jenkins from Cactus Images, said:

“The Big Lockup has certainly been up there as one of the most fun projects that Chris and I have worked on so far with Cactus Images.

“The variety of shots that we’ve taken for the event, including the inmates’ signature mug shots showing their responses and ‘attitudes’ to the hilarious ‘arrests’, has definitely made for some quality content. And it can’t be overlooked how enthusiastic everyone has been taking part, with no hesitation at all to get into character – in fact, they all seem to quite enjoy being Derby’s most wanted!

“Cactus Images are delighted to be involved in planning and executing this event, especially as it’s for such amazing local causes.”

To find out more about ‘Derby’s Big Lock Up’ or to make a donation, visit www.thebiglockup.co.uk. Regular updates will be made during the day via the dedicated social media pages, so be sure to follow for up-to-date news and information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Donna Hill .