Three men have been imprisoned for their roles in violent disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Essex, marking the first sentencing related to protests that descended into chaos this summer.
Martin Peagram, Dean Smith and Stuart Williams all pleaded guilty to violent disorder at earlier hearings. They have now been sentenced for a combined time of just over six years, with each jail term varying from 22 months to 28 months.
The sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday was the first for violent disorder outside the Bell Hotel in Epping. Multiple demonstrations were held outside the hotel after asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu sexually assaulted a woman and a 14-year-old girl in the town.
The 38-year-old Ethiopian national, who arrived in the UK on a small boat days before the incidents in July, was jailed for 12 months at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court last month.
Protest Turned Violent
Gordon Carse, prosecuting at Chelmsford Crown Court, said: “This case is about the disorder arising from the high-profile protest in Epping outside the Bell Hotel on 17 July this year.”
He said the protest was the third in a series, which he described as ongoing, with the first two on 12 July and 13 July having been relatively peaceful. He said police estimated around 500 protesters attended at the height of the incident on 17 July, with a flatbed van carrying a sign that said “protect our kids”.
He said 50 counter protesters arrived and police worked to maintain public order and keep the two groups separate, but police officers were subjected to sustained attacks for over four hours.
Mr Carse said officers were pushed, punched and kicked, police vans were kicked and damaged and missiles were thrown towards the officers.
He said the disorder forced the early closure of nearby businesses, and neighbouring forces, including the Metropolitan Police, helped Essex Police.
Judge’s Remarks
Judge Jamie Sawyer said painter and decorator Williams got onto the roof of the Bell Hotel and attempted to ring the bell thereon.
He said 36-year-old Williams, of Thornwood, Epping also kicked out at an officer and got onto the roof of a school for children with special needs.
He told the defendants: “Each of you, what you did went beyond protest and that became criminal when you acted as you did.”
He said he was satisfied this was racially motivated at least in part. Lawyers for two of the men said that they got carried away and were idiotic.
Prison Sentences
Dean Smith was jailed for one year and 10 months, Martin Peagram was imprisoned for two years and two months, and Stuart Williams will serve two years and four months.
Defendant Luke Fleming, 21, appeared separately before the court on Monday. Fleming, of Buckhurst Hill, pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder and was bailed until a trial to take place from 23 March next year.
The case highlights the tensions surrounding asylum seeker accommodation in communities across England, with authorities warning that legitimate protest must not cross the line into violence and criminality.
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