Eleventh man jailed over Epping Bell Hotel protest disorder

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 14:28 · Archive

Keith Silk, 34, has been jailed for two years and 11 months for violent disorder and criminal damage at a protest in Epping last summer.

Keith Silk, 34, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, has been jailed for two years and 11 months for violent disorder and criminal damage at the Epping Bell Hotel protest on 17 July 2025. He was sentenced on 10 November following conviction at trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on 1 June.

Evidence presented at trial included body-worn camera footage, drone recordings and social media videos. Silk was seen carrying eggs and beer at the protest. He threw beer at a police carrier, damaged a sign outside the Bell Hotel and shouted at officers.

Silk is the eleventh person to be jailed in connection with this specific protest. Eleven men have now been convicted and sentenced in relation to the disorder, receiving immediate custodial sentences totalling more than 23 years. A further 11 people have been convicted and sentenced for related offences during the Epping protests.

Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Epping Forest and Brentwood district commander, said the sentences demonstrated that such behaviour was 'entirely unacceptable'. He noted that whilst many people protested peacefully on 'an important issue', others 'chose to behave well beyond that'. Fisher stated that the community in Epping was 'left scared and anxious', daily life was disrupted and businesses closed early, with the town's reputation affected.

How it is being reported

• Eleventh man jailed over violent disorder at Essex asylum hotel protestKeith Silk, 34, has been jailed for two years and 11 months after violent disorder and criminal damage at an Epping Bell Hotel protest.Colchester Gazette · 10 Nov, 13:45
• Eleventh man jailed over violent disorder at Essex asylum hotel protestKeith Silk, 34, has been jailed for two years and 11 months after violent disorder and criminal damage at an Epping Bell Hotel protest.Echo (Basildon) · 10 Nov, 13:45
• Eleventh man jailed over violent disorder at Essex asylum hotel protestKeith Silk, 34, has been jailed for two years and 11 months after violent disorder and criminal damage at an Epping Bell Hotel protest.Brentwood Guardian · 10 Nov, 13:45

In this story: Keith Silk · Epping · Epping Bell Hotel · Chelmsford Crown Court · Essex Police · Terry Fisher

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