Directors and partners at two major solicitors were locked up for the day in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Williamsons directors Bill Waddington and Sarah Clubley joined Gosschalks partners Clare Johnson and Andrew Bell for Boss Behind Bars on Wednesday, February 24.

They faced trial at Hull’s Guildhall courts in front of a jury of year five pupils from Clifton Primary School in Hull, before being whisked away to Hull Prison where they had to raise enough bail money to secure their release.

All funds raised will be donated to the Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Smile Foundation, a collaborative charity which works hard to support smaller charities and community projects. The final amount raised has not yet been confirmed but the charity believes it will be more than £10,000.

Bill had already raised £2,500 towards his bail target after the promise of him being locked up for the day was auctioned at last October’s Sailor’s Families lunch in Hull and he took part alongside Sarah as part of Williamsons’ 125^th anniversary year.

Speaking before his court appearance, he said: “I’m in two minds about this. It’s great to be involved in raising money for charity but I’m full of trepidation about the time I may have to spend in prison.

“The clang of the prison doors is not something I am looking forward to. But of course, there’s always the chance that being a good defence lawyer, I might be able to swing the jury to find me not guilty.

“It’s a fantastic idea for fundraising and god fun as well.”

Sarah said: “It’s all for charity and for a very good cause. We welcome the opportunity to support local charities but I am dreading it.

“It will be interesting to be on the other side of the law.”

Richard Taylor, partner at Gosschalks, took on the role of prosecutor in Boss Behind Bars, with Gosschalks Head of Employment Ted Flanagan as the judge and Smile Foundation manager Andy Barber as the defence.

Charges set by their solicitor colleagues were read out during the trial in this unique fundraising event.

Andrew said: “There has been joy in the office over the fact I am taking part in Boss Behind Bars.

“The Smile Foundation is an excellent charity and this is an interesting and ingenious way of raising money.

“I’m hoping for an early release from prison.”

Boss Behind Bars is organised with support from Hull City Council Courts, Humberside Police and HMP Hull.

Clare said: “As a fundraiser, it’s an excellent initiative for a local charity.

“It’s very daunting but I have seen Prison Break, so I should be okay.”

Tessa Wray, Partnerships Manager at the Smile Foundation, said the charity can’t thank Bill, Sarah, Clare and Andrew enough for their support.

“They are great sports for taking a day out of their busy jobs to help us raise vital funds to help various charities, projects and groups in Hull and the East Riding,” she said.

“Boss Behind Bars is very tongue in cheek but they experience the serious side, with a trial in the real life court setting of Hull’s Guildhall, police transport to HMP Hull in a prison van and prison food before a tour of the prison itself.

“The bail money is raised through phone calls to their contacts and they’ve done brilliantly with their fundraising.

“They have all found time to give something back to charity and we wouldn’t be able to deliver what we deliver without them giving up their time and utilising their contacts. We are so grateful for the support.”

Boss Behind Bars has raised in excess of £100,000 for the Smile Foundation in recent years.

For further details, or to add to the ‘prisoners’ fundraising total, visit www.bossbehindbars.co.uk