Man jailed for violent disorder at Epping Bell Hotel protest
The man kicked a police officer, leading to further pushing, shoving, and assaults against other officers
A Harlow man who committed violent disorder and assaulted a police officer during a protest in Epping has been jailed.
Aaron Elles, 28, of The Lawn, Harlow, attended the demonstration outside The Bell Hotel on Thursday, 17 July, wearing motorbike clothing and a crash helmet to conceal his identity.
According to police reports, Elles acted in an intimidating manner, encouraging others at the protest to confront officers. The situation escalated when Elles kicked a police officer, leading to further pushing, shoving, and assaults against other officers.
Elles was arrested at his home on 23 July, where police discovered a small amount of cannabis in his motorbike jacket. He was subsequently charged with violent disorder and possession of a Class B drug.
He initially admitted the offences at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 25 July but later attempted to vacate his pleas. However, he did not pursue this, and was sentenced for both offences at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, 16 October.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow commented: “Elles is now the fourth person to be sentenced for the actions on the evening of 17 July. This was an evening in which officers had been trying their utmost to facilitate protest and counter-protest, which is our lawful duty. Elles was among a section of people in the crowd who were intent on escalating what had begun as a peaceful protest into violence.”
Ch Supt Anslow continued: “I’ve been clear on this before, we are in no way anti-protest and our officers have worked incredibly hard over the last three months to make sure those people who want to do this could do so. We want people to be able to make their voices heard and we want them to do this peacefully and safely. Elles, along with the three other men already sentenced for their actions on 17 July, do not fit this category and they do a disservice to the many who do.”