A MAN has appeared in court after a police incident on the A12 saw traffic come to a standstill for several hours.

Simon Graham, 54, of Hunting Gate, Colchester, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon.

He has been charged with wilful obstruction of a highway and intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance in connection with an incident which happened on the A12 near Colchester on Tuesday.

Gazette: Major disruption - motorists were kept waiting for hours on the A12 while the incident unfoldedMajor disruption - motorists were kept waiting for hours on the A12 while the incident unfolded (Image: Submitted)

Mr Graham, wearing a grey prison-issued tracksuit, did not enter a plea during the court hearing but thanked chairman of the bench Gerry Batchelor as he was granted unconditional bail.

Mr Graham's appearance in court came after the A12 came to a standstill on Tuesday following a serious "police-led incident".

Gazette: Queues - there was miles of congestion due to the A12 closureQueues - there was miles of congestion due to the A12 closure (Image: Submitted)

The force rushed to the scene, near Stanway, at 11.15am after receiving concerns for the safety of a "man on a bridge". 

As a result, the A12 was shut down between Marks Tey and the Colchester United Football Stadium in both directions for some six hours.

Officers managed to bring a man to safety at about 4.50pm and both directions of the road were reopened.

Gazette: Hearing - Simon Graham appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' CourtHearing - Simon Graham appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court

Mr Graham has been ordered to attend Chelmsford Crown Court for his next hearing on November 9.