A TOTAL of nine people have been charged and will appear in court following our continuing investigation into incidents of disorder in Epping last week.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We would continue to stress that peaceful protest is welcomed in Essex, and a planned protest on Thursday 24 July passed off largely without incident.

We’re grateful to those in Epping who made their voices heard and exercised their legal rights peacefully.

Officers are continuing to investigate previous incidents of hooliganism, violence and disorder linked to a small number of individuals who took advantage of previous protests to commit offences.

For complete clarity, this is an update on the ongoing detective work into previous gatherings. The most recent protest was entirely peaceful.

We’ve been analysing footage and carrying out enquires to identify those responsible.

“In one recent example on Thursday 24 July, officers arrested a man, aged in his 40s, from Epping, on suspicion of violent disorder”.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said:

“I’m really grateful to the people of Epping who wanted to make their voices heard yesterday and did so peacefully.

“I’ll take this opportunity to thank them again.

“As people will have seen, we had a really robust police operation around the protest.
“We wanted to ensure everyone could safely go about their business, minimising disruption, while facilitating peaceful protest.

“We are continuing to investigate those few intent on exploiting peaceful protests to launch assaults on officers, cause criminal damage, or commit disorder.
“They can expect a knock on the door.”

Our latest charges are:

Shaun Thompson, 37, of Western Avenue, Epping, charged with violent disorder and criminal damage. (In relation to Thursday 17 July). Due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 July.

Dean Walters, 65, of Corner Meadow, Harlow, charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. Due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 24 September. He remains on bail until then.

Charges previously released:

Jonathan Glover, 47, of Springfields, Waltham Abbey. He remains on conditional bail. Charged with violent disorder.

Stuart Williams, 36, of Duck Lane, Thornwood, Epping. Remanded in custody. Charged with violent disorder.

Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton. On conditional bail. Charged with violent disorder and criminal damage.

Dean Smith, 51, of Madells, Epping. Remanded in custody. Charged with violent disorder.
All above are next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 18 August.

Joe McKenna, 34, of Highcliffe Road, Wickford, is charged with failing to remove a face covering when directed to do so. He remains on bail until a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 24 September.

Kenneth Blissett, 34, of Long Banks, Harlow, charged with theft of police equipment and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains on bail and is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 30 September.

Aaron Elles, 28, of The Lawn, Harlow, has been charged with violent disorder. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 July.