Men jailed for violence outside Essex asylum hotel

Three men have been jailed for assaulting police officers outside The Bell Hotel in Epping during protests related to asylum seekers being housed there. The disorder, which included violence and damage to property, stemmed from hostilities towards asylum seekers following criminal charges against one individual. The defendants were sentenced in Chelmsford Crown Court, with the judge emphasizing that the actions went beyond peaceful protest to criminal behavior. The incident led to a significant policing operation costing £1.54m and caused worry and fear among residents in the area.