A “DANGEROUS” bartender was seen dangling off a road bridge above a busy motorway, flicking a cigarette onto passing cars.

Clara Asher, who works at festivals such as Common People, sat on top of the barrier on Botley Road, West End, directly above the M27.

When officers were called to the scene, the 27-year-old was alone and “hanging off the bridge”.

The stunt was described as “dangerous” by prosecutor Liam Hunter who told Southampton Magistrates’ Court Asher’s actions could have led to an accident.

He said: “Asher was initially leant against the bar and when the police approached he began hanging off the barrier above the motorway.

“She sat on the barrier and the officers grew concerned, not only for her welfare, but for the drivers as it was very busy below her.

“Asher then flicked a cigarette down on to the road and the officers then managed to get her down.”

The court heard Asher had struggled with her mental health for a number of years leading up to the incident on March 13 and that as a result of her change in behaviour a number of her friends had stopped contact with her.

But Kathryn Chapman, mitigating, explained now Asher’s life was in a “more stable” condition, those friends have returned and are now helping her through her issues.

“They had been worried that she was not looking after herself,” Ms Chapman said.

“Asher’s in a place now where she can look forward in her life and begin to enjoy the future.”

District Judge Peter Greenfield sentenced Asher, who pleaded guilty to causing danger to road users and breaching a conditional discharge for harassment, to a two-year community order, which includes the requirement to complete 30 days rehabilitation activity requirements.

Asher, of Somerton Avenue, Southampton was fined £100 and also ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge