Two more men have been charged with violent disorder following a protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Essex earlier this month. The charges relate to demonstrations at The Bell Hotel in Epping that turned violent on July 17.
Phillip Curson, 52, and Martin Peagram, 33, are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed. Essex Police had previously sought to speak to both men in relation to the protest outside The Bell Hotel.
Nine people now charged
The latest charges bring the total number of individuals charged by the CPS in relation to the Epping disorder to nine. Multiple demonstrations have been held outside the hotel since July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
Rebecca Mundy, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS East of England, said the service had authorised Essex Police to charge the two additional people. She reminded the public that active criminal proceedings were ongoing against all named individuals and warned against any reporting or online commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.
Violence escalated during protest
The protest on July 17 began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as "scattered incidents of violence" targeting police and property. The force said a small number of people used the demonstration as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage.
Eight officers were injured during the violence and several police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown at them. Those previously charged include seven men from across Essex with various offences related to the disorder.
Previously charged individuals
The seven men already facing charges are Shaun Thompson, 37, of Western Avenue, Epping, charged with violent disorder and criminal damage, and Lee Gower, 43, of High Street, Epping, charged with violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker. Aaron Elles, 28, of The Lawn, Harlow, faces violent disorder charges and has already pleaded guilty.
Jonathan Glover, 47, of Springfields, Waltham Abbey, Stuart Williams, 36, of Duck Lane, Thornwood, Epping, and Dean Smith, 51, of Madells, Epping, are all charged with violent disorder. Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, faces charges of violent disorder and criminal damage.
Court appearances scheduled
Elles, who has pleaded guilty to violent disorder, is next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 25. The remaining six defendants are due to attend the same court on August 18 for their cases to proceed.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
