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Two more men have been charged in connection with disorder outside a migrant hotel in Essex. The latest charges bring the total number of people prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service after protests in Epping to 11.
Charlie Land, 23, has been charged with violent disorder and criminal damage. Luke Fleming, 21, faces charges of violent disorder.
Court appearances scheduled
Both men will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday. Nine others have already been charged by the CPS in connection with the same incidents.
The previous defendants include Shaun Thompson, 37, charged with violent disorder and criminal damage, and Lee Gower, 43, charged with violent disorder and assault on an emergency worker. Aaron Elles, 28, Jonathan Glover, 47, Stuart Williams, 36, and Dean Smith, 51, are all charged with violent disorder.
Weeks of demonstrations
Keith Silk, 33, faces charges of violent disorder and criminal damage, whilst Phillip Curson, 52, is charged with violent disorder. Martin Peagram, 33, has already been found guilty of violent disorder.
The charges stem from weeks of protests outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, which houses asylum seekers. Demonstrations began on July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
Police powers deployed
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, denies sexual assault and is due to stand trial this month. Essex Police recently implemented dispersal orders ahead of some protests, giving officers powers to direct anyone suspected of anti-social behaviour to leave the area.
The force has also used Section 60AA orders to prevent people from wearing face coverings during the demonstrations.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
