A DESPERATE family has turned to crowdfunding in a bid to help free a popular man from Broadstone who is currently in prison in Thailand.

Chris Dodd, a former Poole Grammar School student, had been travelling across Asia but has been arrested in connection with the theft of a mobile phone.

It is understood that Chris had picked up a lost mobile phone that he found on the floor and is currently in jail awaiting his case to be heard.

His mum Fiona Dodd set up a fundraising page on crowdfunding platform GoFundMe calling for members of the public to help raise £20,000 in a bid to bring the tattoo artist and Plymouth College of Art and Design graduate home.

Posting on the page, Fiona Dodd said: “As he awaits his case to be heard he has been transferred to a Thai prison. We are currently in the process of hiring the legal help we need. Expenses are going to really mount up. Mike (Chris’ dad) has flown out to support Chris and try and bring him home.”

She added: “For those who know Chris would know he has a great love of life and people and would do anything to help anybody. We would really appreciate any support in raising money to cover all the mounting costs and try and get Chris home.”

In just a matter of days, the campaign has raised more than £17,500 towards legal costs after hundreds of Chris' friends and family members rallied to offer their support.

Chris' father has travelled to Chiang Mai and it is reported that the case will go before a judge for a bail hearing today, Monday.

In a post to his Facebook page, Mike Dodd said a charity golf day to raise funds for Chris will take place at the Sturminster Marshall golf club on March 23.

"We still have a way to go, but [Chris] now realises how many people are supporting him," Mr Dodd said.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson told the Daily Echo: “We are providing assistance to a British man following his arrest in Thailand and are in touch with the Thai authorities.”

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/tbdje-get-chris-home