97-year-old celebrates birthday by getting arrested
Maggie Clarke had always joked with her carers that she wanted to know what it was like to be arrested.
Last updated 14th May 2025
A 97-year-old woman has celebrated her birthday with a unique surprise.
Maggie Clarke, a care home resident, is known for a mischievous streak and was “placed under arrest” for a birthday surprise planned by staff.
The former children’s nurse and resident of Elizabeth Lodge in Enfield, joked with staff that she has always wondered what it was like to be arrested.
The care home contacted local Metropolitan Police officers, who then volunteered to surprise Ms Clarke.
Officers from Wood Green Police Station arrived at the care home on the morning of her birthday with a set of handcuffs and a spoof arrest warrant.
Ms Clarke was charged on the grounds of consistently speeding in her wheelchair, and was treated to a cake and a party.
Ms Clarke said: "I have been too good for far too long, I think. It was definitely on my bucket list to be arrested by a handsome policeman,"
“My list is complete, I loved it!".
The surprise was part of the Elizabeth Lodge’s Wishing Tree initiative, where residents put wishes forward to either reconnect with a past hobby or try something new.
Michelle Sampang, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: "Maggie has always had a lot of fun, but this was something else. She's really full of surprises!
"When we learned of Maggie's wish to be arrested, we were delighted to help make it happen.
Sergeant Eren Emin, from Oakwood Ward neighbourhood police team, said: "We attended the care home with a birthday card signed by the teams across Enfield and some token gifts for Maggie, as well as making sure she was duly arrested for consistently speeding in her wheelchair.
"We were honoured to celebrate Maggie's birthday with her and hope we made her day.
"I'm proud of the efforts of my teams, who will always do their best to support our elderly residents wherever possible."