Two men found guilty over involvement in 'violent mob' during Epping asylum hotel protest

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Apr 10, 2026 - 16:50

Two men found guilty over involvement in 'violent mob' during Epping asylum hotel protest

A jury has found two men guilty of violent disorder following their participation in a protest outside an asylum hotel in Epping, Essex that descended into chaos.

Lee Gower, 43, from Epping, and Phillip Curson, 53, of Upminster in east London, were convicted today for their roles in the disturbances at the Bell Hotel on July 17 last year.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard the pair had joined what began as a peaceful demonstration, before becoming part of a "mob that attacked police officers".

Gower was acquitted of a separate charge of assaulting an officer - meanwhile, a date for the pair's sentencing has not yet been confirmed.

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