Three men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a violent protest outside a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex, an incident that has drawn national attention and reignited debates over asylum policy, public order, and community tensions. The sentencing, which took place at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 6, 2025, marks the first convictions for violence linked to the unrest that erupted outside the Bell Hotel this past summer.
The events that led to the disorder began in early July 2025, when Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national who had only just arrived in the UK by small boat, committed sexual assaults against a woman and a 14-year-old girl in the town of Epping. According to PA Media, Kebatu had been housed at the Bell Hotel, which was serving as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. The news of these assaults quickly spread throughout the community, sparking a wave of outrage and a series of protests outside the hotel. Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in prison for his crimes last month, but the repercussions of his actions rippled far beyond the courtroom.
The first two protests, held on July 12 and 13, were described by prosecutors as "relatively peaceful," but the situation escalated dramatically during a third demonstration on July 17. On that day, police estimated that around 500 protesters gathered outside the Bell Hotel, many of them galvanized by fears for local safety. A flatbed van with a sign reading "protect our kids" became a focal point, symbolizing the anxieties and anger felt by many in attendance.
Yet the protest did not remain peaceful. About 50 counter-protesters also arrived, and police were left with the difficult task of maintaining public order and keeping the two groups apart. According to Gordon Carse, the prosecuting attorney, "police officers were subjected to sustained attacks for over four hours." Officers were pushed, punched, and kicked, police vans were damaged, and various missiles were hurled at law enforcement as the demonstration spiraled out of control.
Judge Jamie Sawyer, who presided over the case, made it clear that the actions of the defendants had crossed a line. "Each of you, what you did went beyond protest and that became criminal when you acted as you did," he told the men in court. He also stated, "I am satisfied this was racially motivated at least in part," referencing the charged atmosphere and the rhetoric surrounding the protests.
The three men sentenced were identified as Stuart Williams, Martin Peagram, and Dean Smith. Williams, a 36-year-old painter and decorator from Thornwood, Epping, was singled out for particularly disruptive behavior. He climbed onto the roof of the Bell Hotel and attempted to ring the bell, kicked out at an officer, and later climbed onto the roof of a nearby school for children with special needs. Williams received a sentence of two years and four months in prison.
Peagram, a 33-year-old roofer from Loughton, was found to have kicked a police carrier, kicked at officers, and thrown a can at police during the melee. He was sentenced to two years and two months in prison. Smith, a 51-year-old Waitrose worker from Epping, was seen punching an officer’s shield and pushing and shoving officers; he received a sentence of one year and ten months.
During sentencing, defense lawyers for each of the men offered mitigation, seeking to explain their clients' actions and personal circumstances. Kevin Toomey, representing Williams, said that his client was motivated by the call to "protect our kids" and that he "got carried away." Richard Padley, defending Peagram, highlighted that Peagram is the main breadwinner for his family and has two children, describing his behavior as "idiotic." Sam Thomas, representing Smith, noted that his client had no previous convictions and cares for his 74-year-old mother.
Notably, the judge’s remarks and the prosecution’s summary both emphasized that the violence and disorder extended well beyond the bounds of lawful protest. The court heard how police worked tirelessly to keep the situation from deteriorating further, but the sustained attacks left a mark on both the officers involved and the wider community. The presence of counter-protesters added another layer of complexity, as law enforcement sought to prevent clashes and maintain a fragile peace.
The events outside the Bell Hotel have become emblematic of the broader tensions that can arise when local communities are confronted with the realities of the UK’s asylum system. The "protect our kids" slogan, prominently displayed during the protests, underscored a sense of fear and anger among some residents. However, the violence that erupted also prompted strong condemnation from officials and community leaders, who argued that such actions undermine the rule of law and fuel division.
While the three men sentenced on October 6 have now begun their prison terms, the legal proceedings are not yet over for all involved. Luke Fleming, a 21-year-old from Buckhurst Hill, appeared separately before the court and pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to stand trial beginning March 23, 2026. The outcome of that case may further shape public discourse around the events in Epping and the broader issues at play.
The Bell Hotel protests and subsequent violence have raised uncomfortable questions for policymakers, law enforcement, and local residents alike. How should communities respond to incidents that ignite public outrage? What measures can be taken to ensure protests remain peaceful, even in the face of deep-seated anger and fear? And how can the justice system balance the right to protest with the need to protect public order and prevent racially motivated violence?
For now, the sentences handed down at Chelmsford Crown Court serve as a stark reminder of the consequences when protest turns to disorder. As Epping and the nation at large reflect on these events, the hope is that lessons will be learned—both about the importance of lawful protest and the dangers of letting fear and anger give way to violence.
