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Epping Council loses permission to appeal ruling over asylum seekers at Bell Hotel

Epping Forest District Council said in a statement posted on its website: “No reasons were given.

“It is now open for the council to ask the Supreme Court itself for permission to appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

“The council has consistently opposed the use of The Bell Hotel to place asylum-seekers, which is in breach of planning control and is against the interests of those living in, working in and using the area.”

Multiple demonstrations have been held outside the hotel in Essex since 13 July 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.

Earlier on Tuesday, a man and a woman were charged over their part in Sunday’s demonstrations.

Essex Police said Sarah White, 40, of Chigwell, and Scott Davey, 32, of Nazeing, were arrested on suspicion of breaching a Section 14 order, which was put in place by police to designate where people could assemble.

A 22-year-old man from Epping was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage, over allegations that a banner was set alight on Friday, the force said.

Also on Tuesday, a judge told a man who admitted violence outside the hotel earlier this summer that he should expect to be sent to jail.

Martin Peagram pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to violent disorder after protesting outside the hotel on 17 July.

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Judge Jamie Sawyer told the court: “Mr Peagram must understand the likely sentence will be an immediate prison sentence.”

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