A man accused of causing a public nuisance by staging a protest on a bridge over the A12, leading to traffic chaos throughout Essex, has appeared in court.

On Tuesday (October 10), police officers were called shortly after 11.15am to concerns for a man on a bridge near Junction 26 at Stanway, Colchester. The incident led to several closures on the A12, causing gridlock throughout the Maldon District and the county.

Simon Graham, 54, of Hunting Gate, Colchester, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court yesterday (October 12). Graham was charged with wilful obstruction of a highway and intentionally/recklessly causing a public nuisance.

It was reported that Graham tied himself to the bridge with a rope in what he claimed was a protest against his housing association. Police brought him to safety at around 4.50pm and the road was re-opened, after six hours of disruption.

Graham did not enter a plea. He was granted unconditional bail and has been ordered to attend Chelmsford Crown Court for his next hearing on November 9.

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