Brief encounter with a with prison cell

AN Oldham solicitor will spend time in a Victorian police cell to raise funds for The Christie in Manchester.

Mike Pemberton, an associate solicitor and manager of the Prison Law team at Manchester firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP, is giving up his freedom for half a day to raise more than £1,000 for The Christie.

He has been summonsed to appear at The Court of Justice tomorrow along with nine other professionals from the region, to have his case heard at the Manchester Police Museum.

He will be charged, have his mug-shot taken and will stand trial before The Christie’s very own Judge Howard.

Mike and the other prisoners will then be led to their cells to experience life as a real Victorian prisoner — with only a chamber pot and a hairy blanket for company.

He was nominated for the jail-term by his supportive team of staff in the Crime Special Cases department at Stephensons, who highlighted the following serious offences:

Using a posh phone voice; having a Range Rover obsession; quoting phrases such as Compare the Meerkat.com; repeatedly talking about Star Trek and Star Wars in the workplace; repetitive scarf wearing syndrome, wearing waistcoats and braces, and ties that clash with his shirt.

Mike said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for The Christie, but naturally I maintain my innocence of all charges.

“Ironically I was supposed to be speaking at a prison law conference that morning, but have managed to re-arrange this for the afternoon.

“I will have to hope that my powers of persuasion get me out of jail by then.

“Those wishing to sponsor this great cause can contact the office or visit my Just Giving webpage — although I am slightly concerned that certain parties are saying they will pay to keep me in.”

Mike is regarded as a leader in his field — administrative and public law —according to the latest edition of Chambers UK, which says “his standard of client care sets him apart from many competitors”.

To sponsor Mike, go to http://www.justgiving.com/Mike-Pemberton  or call Stephensons on 01942-777777.