TWO men have admitted committing violent disorder as our officers tried to facilitate a peaceful protest in Epping in July.
Dean Smith and Stuart Williams appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today, Monday 18 August.
Both had been charged in relation to an incident of protest relating to The Bell Hotel on July 17.
During a series of hearings today, Smith, 51, of Madells, Epping, and Williams, 36, of Duck Lane Thornwood each admitted one count of violent disorder.
Both men were remanded into custody and will be sentenced at the same court on 6 October pending the results of a pre-sentence report. Both were warned by His Honour Judge Sawyer that the sentencing starting point would be immediate prison custody.
A third man, Aaron Elles, 28, of The Lawn, Harlow, had been due to be sentenced for violent disorder but the court was told he intends to apply for his guilty plea to be vacated. A hearing to determine that application will take place on 22 September. He was remanded into custody until that date.
Four other men appeared in court today and denied charges against them.
Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton denied charges of violent disorder and criminal damage. He was released on conditional bail and is next due at court on 22 September for a case management hearing.
Lee Gower, 43, of High Street, Epping, denied charges of violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. He is next due at court for a bail hearing on 22 August. A case management hearing will be listed on 22 September.
Shaun Thompson, 37, of Western Avenue, Epping previously admitted criminal damage but denied charges of violent disorder. He was released on conditional bail and is next due at court on 22 September.
Jonathan Glover, 48, of Springfields, Waltham Abbey, denied charges of violent disorder and possessing a Class B drug. He was released on bail to next appear at court on 22 September, where the court heard he will apply for the charges against him to be dismissed.
Our investigation into the criminal disorder in Epping in July is continuing, with a total of 24 arrests being made and 16 people charged. Twelve people remain on bail.
