Epping Forest: Two more convicted after violent disorder with jail sentences and more due later this summer

Two more men have been sentenced for violent disorder in Epping in summer 2025, with three men also now found guilty in a separate trial, taking the total number of people held to account for their behaviour to 11.

Shaun Thompson and Lee Gower have been jailed for their roles in disorder outside the Bell Hotel in July 2025.

On Monday 15 June, Thompson, 38, of Buckingham Road in Epping, received a custodial sentence of two years and seven months for his role in the disorder.

That sentence follows a hearing on Thursday 11 June, when Gower, 44, of Oak Piece in North Weald, was handed two years and nine months.

In Thompson’s case, the judge described his behaviour as “wanton, shameless violent disorder”.

On Tuesday 16 June three further men, Keith Silk, 34, of Torrington Drive in Loughton; Jonathan Glover, 48, of Springfields in Waltham Abbey; and Charlie Land, 24, of Warren close in Hatfield were found guilty by a jury of violent disorder.

Two further defendants - Philip Curson, 53, of Brookmans Park Drive, Upminster, and Luke Fleming, 22, of Thaxted Road in Buckhurst Hill were also convicted in March of violent disorder.

All are due to be sentenced later in the summer.

In total, 11 men have been convicted for their roles, with sentences in prison so far totalling more than 13 years.

The protests began as peaceful demonstrations but escalated into violent disorder involving assaults on officers, criminal damage, and significant disruption to the town.

The disorder had a wide-ranging and lasting impact on the local community, affecting residents, businesses, and those working in Epping.

During the protests, violence and disruption led to roads being blocked and people being unable to access homes, workplaces, and essential services. Businesses were forced to close early or shut altogether, while emergency services faced delays in reaching those who needed help.

Community impact statements presented to the court highlighted how fear and uncertainty became part of daily life for many people living and working in the area.

Local leaders described how the disorder affected all parts of the community. Church leaders felt they had no choice but to cancel services because of concerns for safety. Retail staff reported worrying about how they would get home safely at the end of their shifts, while some businesses reported experiencing shoplifting linked to those taking part in the disorder.

There were also wider concerns about the reputation of Epping, with community representatives describing how people were increasingly anxious about how the town was being portrayed and the long-term impact on local life. Residents also reported spending each day worried about what might happen in the evenings, as tensions remained high.

Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Epping district commander, said:

“The behaviour of each of these individuals in Epping went far beyond peaceful protest. It escalated into serious disorder which had a real and lasting impact on the community.
“Residents were unable to go about their daily lives, businesses were affected, and people were left feeling worried and anxious.
“The evidence presented to the court makes clear just how far-reaching that impact has been – from cancelled community activities to concerns about retail and business staff getting home safely and the effect on the town’s reputation.
“Whilst many people who wanted their voices to be heard on an important issue did that safely, a number chose to behave well beyond that and these convictions and sentences show that behaviour is and was entirely unacceptable.”