The former chief executive of ShelterBox was "caught in the crossfire" between his son and the management of the international charity, an Old Bailey jury has heard.

Tom Henderson is accused of defrauding the aid organisation by securing lucrative contracts for survival equipment went to his son John.

Tom Henderson, 64, of Barbican Way, Helston, and John Henderson, 35, of Copper Hill, Hayle face allegations of fraud along with Darren Gervis, 42, Meadowside, Mosterton, Beaminster, Dorset, who is alleged to have been a "middleman" used to cover up the conspiracy when ShelterBox staff became suspicious in early 2012.

Henderson's barrister Keith Hadrill, making his closing speech at the Old Bailey, said that the Crown's case against his client had "fallen away."

Mr Hadrill told jurors that Henderson kept deals involving his son "at arms length" on the advice of the head of finance Michael Johns and the operations manager John Leach.

"This is what he is told to do, he is doing what he is told," added the barrister.

"It is not for Tom Henderson to make these orders [for equipment] - he has to go through a procurement process involving John Leach, Michael Johns and others."

Mr Hadrill told the court: "He is not part of what is going on between his son on the one hand and Michael Johns and John Leach on the other.

"He is caught in the middle, in the crossfire."

Mr Hadrill also claimed that there was no evidence Tom Henderson had "abused his position" or acted against the interests of ShelterBox.

He told the jury: "You must sit there scratching your heads. The case has fallen away.

"Here is a man charged with serious crimes many miles away from his home. The strain and stress must be enormous. He must sit there thinking 'What's this all about?'"

"What evidence have we heard that this man committed a crime? None at all. I submit that the Crown's case is not made in any shape or form."

The prosecution claim ShelterBox was kept in the dark about John Henderson's involvement in the company fronted by Darren Gervis so that they would continue to order large amounts of camping and survival equipment.

But the defence claim that ShelterBox were aware of John Henderson's role throughout and that the stoves and tents supplied were of good quality and value.

The three men face charges of fraud between January 15, 2007 and December 31, 2012.

The trial continues.