Two more men have appeared in court charged with violent disorder at a protest outside an Epping hotel housing asylum seekers.Multiple demonstrations have been held outside The Bell Hotel in the Essex town since 13 July after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
The number of people charged in connection with demonstrations at the premises now stands at 14, according to police.Phillip Curson, 52, and Martin Peagram, 33, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with violent disorder over a 17 July protest outside the hotel.The demonstration started peacefully but escalated into what officers described as “scattered incidents of violence” targeting police and property.
Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown.Curson, of Upminster, east London, gave no indication of plea and was granted conditional bail until an appearance before Chelmsford Crown Court on 26 August.
Prosecutor Sharon Hall said it is alleged Curson had been stamping on a police van and “lunging and kicking out” at officers.Peagram, of Loughton, Essex, indicated a plea of guilty to the charge of violent disorder and was remanded in custody until an appearance before Chelmsford Crown Court in the week beginning 1 September.
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On Sunday, three people were arrested at the latest demonstration outside the hotel, as protesters waved union flags while Stand Up To Racism counter-protesters marched to the hotel with signs reading: “Stop scapegoating refugees and migrants.”Essex Police said there was an “escalation of violence” during protests at the same site on 13, 17, 20 and 24 July, involving hundreds of people.The protests took place after an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.The Home Office last week said it was working to close hotels and “restore order” after Epping Forest District Council unanimously voted to urge the government “to immediately and permanently close” the hotel “for the purposes of asylum processing”.
