Peaceful Protest Turns Ugly
What began as a local protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping soon spiralled into hours of chaos. On 17 July, police found themselves under attack as a crowd of around 500 people pushed, punched, and pelted officers with bottles, eggs and fireworks. The disorder followed news that an asylum seeker housed at the hotel had been jailed for two sexual assaults, sparking outrage in the Essex town.
Chelmsford Crown Court heard how the event, described as a “peaceful protest that descended into serious public disorder,” left businesses forced to close and residents in fear. Among those arrested were Stuart Williams, 36, Dean Smith, 51, and Martin Peagram, 33 – three men who prosecutors said were “motivated by hostility” towards asylum seekers.
‘Mask Up And Bring Rage’
Judge Jamie Sawyer told the court that organisers had planned the protest online and encouraged attendees to “mask up and bring rage.” By the time crowds gathered outside the hotel that afternoon, tensions were already high. Police formed barriers to keep rival groups apart, but what followed was four hours of violence as officers came under sustained attack.
Prosecutor Gordon Carse said police vans were damaged and officers struck repeatedly as they tried to maintain order. “In my 20 years of policing,” one senior officer said in a statement read to the court, “I have never witnessed this scale of disorder in Essex – and certainly not in a town like Epping.”
Violence And Symbolism
Footage played in court showed Williams draped in a Union Jack flag “like a cape.” Mr Carse described how that “shroud of patriotism did little to hide his thuggish intent.” Williams was seen shoulder-charging the police line and taking a boxer’s stance before climbing onto the roof of a nearby special needs school, causing damage in the process.
Smith, his face covered, was filmed among a group pushing and punching officers while gesturing for the crowd to move forward. Peagram was caught on camera smiling amid the confrontation, striking out at an officer as the mob advanced. All three later admitted violent disorder.
The Price Of Disorder
The court heard that the protests and counter-demonstrations across the summer cost Essex Police £1.54 million to control. The Bell Hotel’s manager received an anonymous phone call on the morning of the riot warning, “Are you ready for tonight?” It was the first sign that what followed would go far beyond lawful protest.
Williams, from Thornwood, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. Peagram, from Loughton, received two years and two months, and Smith, also from Epping, was jailed for one year and ten months.
‘You Wanted To Take Matters Into Your Own Hands’
Defence lawyers told the court their clients were remorseful. Williams’ barrister said he had been driven by the mantra “protect our kids,” while Peagram’s counsel described his behaviour as “idiotic, immature, embarrassing and pathetic.” Smith’s lawyer insisted his client “had no issue with people fleeing persecution” and was not motivated by racism.
But Judge Sawyer said the trio had gone far beyond protest. “You wished for the asylum seekers to be removed from the area,” he told them. “You didn’t wait for due process to run its course. You wanted to take matters into your own hands.”
What started as anger outside a local hotel ended with jail sentences — and a reminder of how quickly fury can turn into criminality.
