Two additional men have made an appearance in court facing charges of violent disorder at a protest outside a hotel in Epping that houses asylum seekers.
Since July 13, multiple demonstrations have taken place outside The Bell Hotel in the town of Essex following an incident where an asylum seeker was accused of trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
The total number of individuals charged in relation to the protests at the location has now reached 14, as confirmed by the authorities.
Phillip Curson, aged 52, and Martin Peagram, aged 33, were in court at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with violent disorder during a protest on July 17 outside the hotel.
What initially started as a peaceful demonstration turned into a series of «scattered incidents of violence» directed towards the police and the property.
During the protest, eight officers sustained injuries and several police vehicles were damaged due to the throwing of missiles.
Curson, who hails from Upminster, east London, did not indicate a plea and was granted conditional bail until his next court appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 26.
The prosecutor, Sharon Hall, alleged that Curson was seen stomping on a police van and «lunging and kicking out» at officers.
On the other hand, Peagram, from Loughton, Essex, pleaded guilty to the charge of violent disorder and was remanded in custody until his court appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court in the week starting September 1.
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At the latest protest outside the hotel on Sunday, three individuals were arrested as protesters displayed union flags while counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism marched to the hotel with signs urging to «Stop scapegoating refugees and migrants.»
Essex Police reported an «escalation of violence» during protests on July 13, 17, 20, and 24 at the same location, involving hundreds of people.
The protests were in response to an incident where an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault for allegedly trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
Last week, the Home Office announced its efforts to shut down hotels and «restore order» after Epping Forest District Council passed a unanimous vote urging the government to «immediately and permanently close» the hotel «for the purposes of asylum processing».