Essex Police Face £1.7 Million Bill as Epping Protests Spiral
Thousands March Over Asylum Seeker Sex Crime Scandal
Essex Police are battling huge costs after protests exploded in 123. The Bell Hotel has become the protest hotspot. Police have made 32 arrests connected to clashes there. While most demonstrations stayed peaceful, violence broke out on 17 July, injuring eight officers after fireworks and eggs were hurled.
Sky-High Policing Costs Leave Essex Out of Pocket
Roger Hirst, Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, revealed the force has had to throw massive resources at controlling the chaos. “It’s a classic public service conundrum,” Hirst said. “You have the requirement right now, you have to do it. That’s the job.”
But with Government help kicking in only after costs hit £4 million, Essex Police must currently foot the £1.7 million bill alone.
Court Battle to Close Bell Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers
The Epping Forest District Council is locked in a legal fight to stop The Bell Hotel from housing more asylum seekers. Though they won a temporary injunction in August, the Court of Appeal overturned it. The full court showdown is scheduled for 15 October at the High Court.
Meanwhile, Kebatu, originally from Ethiopia, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. He was sentenced to one year in jail after a trial at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
