It has been a turbulent period for hotels across the UK that have served as temporary homes for asylum seekers, with two high-profile incidents—one in Essex and another in Glasgow—throwing the spotlight on the complexities and risks surrounding such arrangements. Recent court proceedings and ongoing inquiries have exposed not only the violence that can erupt in these settings but also the deeper systemic questions about public safety, mental health, and the responsibilities of both government and local communities.
In Essex, seven men are set to stand trial in 2026, accused of violent disorder outside The Bell Hotel in Epping. This hotel, which has been used to house asylum seekers, became the site of heated protests and counter-demonstrations in July 2025. According to reporting by BBC, the unrest followed the conviction of an asylum seeker residing at the hotel, who was found guilty on September 4, 2025, of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. This case, understandably, ignited strong emotions and led to public demonstrations that quickly spiraled out of control.
The accused—Phillip Curson, 52, from Upminster; Shaun Thompson, 37, from Epping; Lee Gower, 43, also from Epping; Jonathan Glover, 47, from Waltham Abbey; Aaron Elles, 28, from Harlow; Keith Silk, 33, of Loughton; and Charlie Land, 23, from Hatfield in Hertfordshire—have all denied the charges against them. Some face additional counts, such as criminal damage and assaulting an emergency worker, while others are accused of damaging property at the hotel. The trials are scheduled to take place in two phases: three defendants will appear in March 2026, while the remaining four will face the court in June. Each trial is expected to last two weeks, as outlined by prosecutor Sam Willis during recent proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court.
After the latest hearing, most of the defendants were released on bail, except for Aaron Elles and Lee Gower, who remain in custody. The Crown Prosecution Service has urged the public to avoid speculation and respect the legal process. Rebecca Mundy, representing the CPS, emphasized, "I would like to remind all concerned that there are active criminal proceedings against all named individuals, and they have the right to a fair trial."
The July protest outside The Bell Hotel, initially described by Essex Police as "peaceful," quickly descended into chaos. Fireworks were set off, and eggs were hurled at both officers and the hotel itself. The violence resulted in injuries to at least eight police officers and prompted a wave of arrests—32 individuals have been detained in connection with the disorder since July, according to official police statements cited by BBC.
These events have rekindled debates about the UK’s approach to housing asylum seekers in hotels, especially in communities that may already feel under strain. Some local residents argue that the government’s policies have left them without adequate information or support, while others caution against scapegoating vulnerable people in need of sanctuary. The tension between public safety, community cohesion, and the rights of asylum seekers remains a flashpoint, as these court cases and ongoing investigations make clear.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow, a separate but equally troubling incident is under renewed scrutiny. On June 26, 2020, Badreddin Abdalla Adam Bosh, a 28-year-old asylum seeker from Sudan, stabbed six people at the Park Inn hotel in the city centre before being shot and killed by police. The victims included three fellow asylum seekers, two hotel workers, and police officer David Whyte, who had responded to the emergency call. As reported by The Herald, officers attempted to use non-lethal weapons before resorting to deadly force.
The Park Inn had become a temporary refuge for asylum seekers relocated from flats at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic—a move that, at the time, raised alarms about the mental health and well-being of a particularly vulnerable population. The tragedy only deepened those concerns. During a third preliminary hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on September 22, 2025, it emerged that Mr. Bosh had made threats of stabbing 24 hours before the attack. Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar, referencing transcripts reviewed before the hearing, asked, "There were threats of stabbing 24 hours prior to the incident?" Shelagh McCall KC, advocate for the Police Scotland Federation, confirmed, "Yes."
The Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into Mr. Bosh’s death is expected to be a lengthy and exhaustive process. Advocate depute Alan Cameron KC told the court that over 700 witness statements have been submitted and that the evidential hearings could last four to five weeks. A key piece of evidence—a firearms expert report—will begin in October 2025, with a deadline for completion set for early December. Mark Stewart KC, representing Mr. Bosh’s next of kin, indicated that the family is awaiting this crucial analysis as they seek answers about the police response and the broader circumstances leading to the fatal shooting.
One detail that has raised eyebrows is the revelation that police officers were reportedly unaware that the Park Inn was housing asylum seekers at the time of the incident. This lack of communication between agencies has prompted questions about risk assessments, duty of care, and the adequacy of systems in place to protect both residents and the wider public. A further preliminary hearing in December 2025 will determine which witnesses will be cross-examined when the full inquiry resumes.
Both the Essex and Glasgow cases have cast a harsh light on the intersection of immigration policy, community safety, and public trust in institutions. The decisions to house asylum seekers in hotels were made under immense pressure during the pandemic, but the ramifications are now being felt years later. Local communities, police forces, and government agencies are all grappling with the fallout, searching for lessons that might prevent future tragedies.
As these legal processes unfold, the UK finds itself at a crossroads. There are no easy answers—only the hope that thorough investigations and fair trials will bring some measure of clarity and justice to all those affected.
