A TEENAGER who threw ‘fire bombs’ onto the M3, bringing the motorway to a standstill for more than 11 hours, has been jailed.

Nicholas Elger, 17, from Winchester, pleaded guilty in December to two charges of arson recklessly endangering life.

The incident on the M3 closed the stretch between junctions nine and 11 for 11 hours on September 23, causing traffic chaos and costing the local economy an estimated £40 million.

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court today, Elger was jailed for four and a half years for arson.

He was given concurrent 12 month sentences for burglary and a three year sentence for blackmail.

Elger will also spend four and a half years on licence following his release from prison.