Stuck: Lee Bassett dangles above speeding traffic
Prankster Lee Bassett was left dangling from a rope above a busy main road for 90 minutes after a drunken bet went wrong, a court heard.
Bassett, aged 29, was found hanging eight feet above three lanes of speeding traffic after a friend was unable to pull him back up onto a pedestrian footbridge above the road.
Startled motorists raised the alarm when they saw Bassett swinging above their heads with a rope harness round his waist.
Police and paramedics raced to the scene and fire-fighters used a turn-table ladder to free Bassett after a rescue operation which cost taxpayers almost £5,000.
Roads were closed and traffic had to be diverted from the scene.
Bassett told police: "It was supposed to be a joke - it's a bet that went wrong.
"I had a few jars and did it for a dare."
Bassett put the harness on and lowered himself over the railing of the footbridge above one of the main roads into Plymouth city centre at 9pm on January 24, the court heard.
After Bassett completed the stunt a pal was supposed to haul him back up onto the bridge.
But the friend was not strong enough to pull Bassett up - and he was left stranded above the road.
Prosecutor Will Rose told Plymouth magistrates: "Spiderman, Mr Bassett is not.
"As a result of this dangerous and reckless act Gdynia Way had to be closed as well as roads in the nearby area.
"It was an acutely foolish, reckless and dangerous act causing great concern to motorists and pedestrians and was resolved at great expense.
"This bizarre prank cost the public purse £4,875."
Bassett's lawyer said: "It was a misjudged escapade from a foolish wager by two friends. He wholeheartedly regrets the matter."
The court heard the rescue operation cost the fire service £2,400, the police £1,800 and the ambulance service £675.
Bassett, from Plymouth, admitted causing danger to road users. He was freed on bail and will be sentenced on March 11.
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