More than £140,000 has now been raised for a dad who spent months in prison after chasing two burglars away from his home before hitting them with his car. Adam White appeared on the TV series 24 Hours in Police Custody earlier this week and his case caught the attention of viewers, leading to a GoFundMe appeal being launched.
Monday's (November 30) episode of the Channel 4 show followed the police investigation. Adam was the victim of an attempted burglary, but was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to burglars he chased and crashed into as they fled on a motorbike.
Taylor Benford and Ryan Paul pleaded guilty to the attempted burglary, while Adam was found guilty by a jury. The judge sentenced White to 22 months in prison, while giving a suspended sentence to Benford and Paul, recognising they both bore substantial responsibility themselves for their injuries.
"This episode is an important reminder that people must not take the law into their own hands. Such actions can have enormous consequences," said Bedfordshire Police which led the investigation.
"The best thing you can do when a crime is happening is to call 999 so that we can dispatch officers to the scene to apprehend those involved and protect the public from further harm."
As of 8.30pm on Thursday (December 1), the GoFundMe appeal had raised £142,334. One donor has even pledged £15,000, BirminghamLive reports.
One supporter, named Lucy, said: "I just want to say I’m so sorry for what happened to you, just awful. Seeing the ending of 24 Hours in Police Custody left me so shocked, angry and really sad for you. I hope now you have an opportunity to move on from this knowing so many of us support you!"
Rebecca said: "I watched tonight and was shocked. In my opinion it should have never gone to trial. Not sure how long you served, but I would like to think it was cut short. Protecting your family is doing the right thing! Sending lots of love to you and your lovely wife Lindsay."
And Amanda said: "I'm so happy you're getting the support that is much needed for you both. It really goes to show after a TV show how much people are outraged by what's happened to you. I still can't believe it. The justice system is pathetic."
