A Chelmsford market trader is spearheading a campaign for the immediate release of a widowed father of triplets who was jailed for two months on Monday for his first criminal offence.
Fast food trader Swales Howell joined relatives and friends outside Chelmsford Prison on Wednesday evening to support his 46-year-old nephew, William Wheatley.
Free Willy - Campaigners outside Chelmsford Prison on Wednesday evening
Mr Wheatley's wife, Ann, 42, died from cancer in May, leaving him to care for daughters Annie and Charlie and son William, who were born with the help of fertility treatment four years ago after 18 years of childless marriage.
Mr Howell said that Mr Wheatley, of Tilbury, had no previous criminal record and his remaining family were devastated when he was handed the two-month sentence by Southend magistrates on Monday.
The magistrates heard that he had failed to provide a specimen and had driven without due care and attention at Canvey Island.
His children, who are pining for their father, are being cared for by relatives and told that their father is away working hard to raise case to take them to Disneyland Paris.
Mr Howell said: "We had to tell a white lie. Just after Ann died, the triplets went to Disneyland and we hope the thought of returning will help to cheer them up a little."
Published Friday, August 1, 2003
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