A MAN has been sentenced for causing a public nuisance by climbing Silver Jubilee Bridge.

Christopher McGill scaled the River Mersey crossing between Runcorn and Widnes over the summer.

The 33-year-old appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court to learn his fate over the incident, having been charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.

He also faced a charge of failing to surrender to court bail.

Explaining the nature of the offences, Jessica Pridding, of the Crown Prosecution Service, informed the court that the nuisance charge occurred on July 12.

That Wednesday morning, Cheshire Police officers were called to attend the bridge at around 9am.

This came after the force received reports of concerns for the safety of a man on the structure, with slow traffic building up in the area as a result.

Officers engaged with the man, who was later taken to a place of safety.

The nature of the charge which he admitted states that he climbed over the barrier on the bridge and obstructed members of the public.

McGill was released on court bail as part of the criminal proceedings after appearing in court the following day.

He was due to appear in court on October 10 but failed without reasonable to attend.

McGill, of Grangemoor in Runcorn, was sentenced by magistrates to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was also handed a fine of £40, with his guilty pleas taken into account when determining the sentence.