A Watford man has been charged with more than a dozen serious offences including robbery, assault and threatening several drivers on the A405 and M1.

James Heaney, of Boundary Way, appeared at Hatfield Remand Court today (October 15), charged with robbery, threats with a bladed article, dangerous driving, six attempted robberies, two counts of criminal damages, assault by beating and affray.

At around 5.40pm on August 20, the a Ford Mondeo was stolen from Telford Road, London Colney and driven to the A405 North Orbital Road, just before the M1, where it was abandoned.

A man got out of the vehicle and allegedly threatened several drivers before escaping into the undergrowth once police arrived.

A police helicopter search was launched, which included resources from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit.

Heaney, 27, will next appear at St Albans Crown Court on November 12.