Jim Royle charged with self-inflicted GBH

Jim Royle was your choice for the dock in the MHF's 'man on trial' event which kicks off Men's Health Week today.

In a mock court session, the British male goes on trial charged with crimes against his own health. Malehealth readers voted Jim Royle as the man most suitable to face the charges.

But the star of TV sit-com the Royle Family faced tough competion from a short-list of ten fictional characters including super (sized) heroes, risk-taking adventurers and home-grown (and blown) comedy and soap stars. Jim's dangerously sedentary life-style attracted over 30% of the vote with Homer Simpson second and James Bond third.

Voters were clearly moved by Jim strained index finger - from excess use of TV remote control - and serious bowel problems which, of course, he regularly refers to: 'Man responsible for his own health? My arse!'

So what do you think?

Is man guilty of exposing himself to heart disease, respiratory disease and other preventable conditions that will see the average man die five years earlier than the average woman. Or is something else to blame? Genes? The way men are brought up? The way health care services are provided? Or something else?

Let us know what you think below. And watch this space.

• The couch potato's couch potato: It's not too late to check out the health CVs of the 10 candidates although it is too late to vote.
• Events: Find out what's happening for Men's Health week in your area
• Welcome to the Working Week: malehealth's special Men's Health Week content
• More about Men's Health Week on the MHF website.