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Jun 17, 20261
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Two Charged with Causing Public Nuisance After M5 Motorway Closures in Somerset
Two individuals have been charged with causing a public nuisance after incidents that led to the closure of the M5 motorway in Somerset on June 14th and 15th, 2026. Jason Martin and Iona Coleman appeared in separate magistrate courts, with Martin released on conditional bail.
Quick Facts
Who
Jason Martin (age 37, of no fixed address)
What
Charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance
When
Sunday, June 14th, 2026
Where
M5 motorway
- Charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance
- M5 motorway closed at Avonmouth junction in both directions
- M5 motorway closed between junctions 21 and 22 in both directions
- Both individuals remanded into police custody
- Martin released on conditional bail
Jason Martin, 37, of no fixed address, and Iona Coleman, 31, of East Huntspill, have been charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance following two separate incidents that resulted in the closure of the M5 motorway in Somerset. Martin appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026, while Coleman was scheduled to appear at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026.
The charges stem from incidents on consecutive days. On Sunday, June 14th, both the north and southbound carriageways of the M5 were closed at the Avonmouth junction for several hours. The following day, on Monday, June 15th, the motorway was closed again in both directions between junction 21 near Weston and junction 22 at Burnham-On-Sea.
Both individuals were initially remanded into police custody ahead of their court appearances. However, Martin was subsequently released by the court on conditional bail following his hearing.
Why This Matters
These charges establish accountability for major traffic disruptions affecting thousands of commuters and commercial transport. Public nuisance prosecutions related to motorway closures are significant for road safety enforcement, helping deter similar disruptive incidents and demonstrating legal consequences for actions that threaten critical infrastructure and public mobility.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 14, 2026
WireM5 motorway closed in both directions at Avonmouth junction for several hours
Jun 15, 2026
WireM5 motorway closed in both directions between junction 21 (Weston) and junction 22 (Burnham-On-Sea)
Jun 16, 2026
WireJason Martin appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court; later released on conditional bail
Jun 17, 2026
WireIona Coleman appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court