Man who admitted Epping violent disorder warned he faces prison

A judge warned him that he will “likely” be jailed

A man who admitted violent disorder after a demonstration outside an asylum seeker hotel in Epping has been warned that he will “likely” be jailed.

Martin Peagram pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court to violent disorder outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on July 17.

The 33-year-old, of Loughton, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday (September 2) but was told by the judge that he will not be sentenced until next month. Peagram, who wore a dark blue tracksuit and was brought up from the cells to the dock in handcuffs, spoke to confirm his name at the start of the brief hearing.

Judge Jamie Sawyer said that defendants involved in protests outside the Bell Hotel, who had pleaded guilty and whose cases were outstanding, would be sentenced on October 6. He also warned Peagram that he “likely” faces a custodial sentence.

“I’m not in a position to sentence Mr Peagram this morning,” he said. He continued: “If there are defendants who are yet to be committed or sent to this court, the two dates are October 6 for sentence, then secondly September 22 for a further case management hearing.”

Joseph Lord, for Peagram, asked that a pre-sentence report be prepared about the defendant, and the judge agreed to this request. But the judge added: “Mr Peagram must understand the likely sentence will be an immediate prison sentence.”

Addressing Peagram, who had medium-length brown hair and a beard, the judge said: “Mr Peagram, I’ve adjourned your case to October 6. I’ve agreed to the application for a pre-sentence report. I’m not ruling out an immediate prison sentence. The most likely outcome, I’m afraid, is an immediate prison sentence.”

Peagram said “thank you” before he was led back to the cells. The judge remanded him in custody until October 6.

Multiple demonstrations have been held outside the Bell Hotel in Epping since July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. His trial began last week and is due to conclude later this week.

Essex Live