Two men have admitted committing violent disorder at an Epping protest in July 2025. Dean Smith and Stuart Williams appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today (Monday, August 18).

Both had been charged in relation to an incident of protest relating to The Bell Hotel on July 17. During a series of hearings today, Smith, 51, of Madells, Epping, and Williams, 36, of Duck Lane Thornwood each admitted one count of violent disorder.

Both men were remanded into custody and will be sentenced at the same court on October 6 pending the results of a pre-sentence report. Both were warned by His Honour Judge Sawyer that the sentencing starting point would be immediate prison custody.

A third man, Aaron Elles, 28, of The Lawn, Harlow, had been due to be sentenced for violent disorder but the court was

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