WRONG-DOERS have been given a stay of execution due to harsh weather warnings.

The Saints and Sinners event, raising cash for the Mayor’s charity, has been postponed to a future date yet to be confirmed.

Public figures, including Colchester mayor Christopher Arnold, Col U mascot Eddie the Eagle and the Gazette’s own head of content James Wills, were due in the Town Hall dock tonight.

Each faced time in a cell until they raised enough sponsorship cash to be freed - though donors could also pledge money to keep them behind bars.

Organiser Katie Skingle, on behalf of the Mayor’s Charity Fund, apologised for the postponement.