Two appear in court in connection with protests at Essex fuel sites
Essex Police have charged 23 people so far
Last updated 21st Apr 2022
Two people have appeared in court charged in connection with disruption being caused at fuel sites in Thurrock, Essex.
James Skeet, 34, of Drayton Street, Manchester, and Stephanie Aylett, 27, of High Oaks, St Albans, were charged after being arrested on 15th April.
Both were charged with aggravated trespass and breach of bail conditions.
They denied the offence and challenged the bail breach during a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 16th April but both were remanded into custody.
They appeared again at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 20th April, where both were granted bail with conditions.
Skeet was ordered to remain in Manchester and Aylett to stay at an address in Harpenden.
Neither are allowed to enter the county of Essex unless it's to attend court hearings.
They are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 24th May.
Since 1st April 2022, Essex Police have charged 23 people in connection with incidents of disruption across Thurrock.
So far, one person has been convicted after admitting aggravated trespass. Catherine Maclean, 64, of Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, in West Sussex was ordered to pay a total of £409 at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: “There are currently no ongoing incidents in Essex and there have not been any since Friday, but we continue to be ready to respond to incidents of criminality should they be reported to us.
“I would again urge anyone who is thinking of causing disruption in Essex not to. We are not against lawful protest but to be clear we will respond to crimes which are reported.
“Our response over the last three weeks demonstrates that people engaged in disruptive, dangerous and reckless behaviour – despite believing it to be protest – are likely to be arrested, charged and put before the courts.
“My plea to you is to find a suitable way to protest and make your views known safely, without putting yourselves, Essex Police officers and our wide emergency services colleagues at risk of serious injury.”