A MAN who committed violent disorder as officers tried to facilitate a peaceful protest in Epping has been jailed.

Aaron Elles had attended the protest outside The Bell Hotel on Thursday 17 July in motorbike clothing, including a crash helmet to conceal his identity.

A police spokesperson said: “The 28-year-old, of The Lawn, Harlow, acted in an intimidating way, encouraging other people there to face off against our officers.

He then kicked an officer which led to other people pushing, shoving, and striking other officers.

When he was arrested at his home address on 23 July, officers also found a small amount of cannabis in his motorbike jacket.

He was charged with violent disorder and possession of a Class B drug.

He admitted the offences at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 25 July but later indicated an intention to vacate his pleas.

“However, that was not pursued, and he was sentenced for the matters at Chelmsford Crown Court today, Thursday 16 October to one year and eight months in jail”.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “Elles is now the fourth person 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 added: “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.”