Three violent thugs have been handed substantial prison sentences for their roles in a terrifying outbreak of disorder at the Epping Hotel, where a migrant protest descended into chaos last year.
The men, identified as Kyle Gostelow, John Gostelow, and Kane Gostelow, were part of a mob that targeted the Essex hotel housing asylum seekers. Their rampage left the property severely damaged and staff traumatised.
Rooftop Agitator's Reckless Actions
Kyle Gostelow, 22, took the violence to alarming new heights when he scaled the hotel's roof in a dangerous attempt to ring the building's bell. Prosecutors revealed his intention was to encourage further protest activity and incite the growing crowd below.
His brazen actions forced emergency services to deploy specialist resources to safely remove him from the precarious position, adding to the evening's chaos.
Systematic Destruction Unfolds
The court heard how the trio participated in a coordinated attack that saw:
- Windows smashed throughout the property
- Security fencing torn down and destroyed
- Vehicles belonging to staff and emergency services damaged
- Hotel infrastructure left in ruins
Essex Police described the scene as "some of the most significant disorder" they had encountered in recent years, with officers facing considerable aggression from the mob.
Substantial Sentences Handed Down
At Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Christopher Morgan delivered stern punishment for the violent outburst:
Kyle Gostelow received 28 months imprisonment for violent disorder and criminal damage. John Gostelow, 20, was sentenced to 22 months, while Kane Gostelow, 19, faces 16 months behind bars.
The judge emphasised that such "mob violence" would never be tolerated in a civilised society, regardless of the political context surrounding the protest.
Lasting Impact on Community
Local residents and business owners expressed relief at the sentencing, noting that the violent events had left the community shaken. The hotel has since undergone extensive repairs, but the memory of that night's terror remains fresh for those who witnessed the destruction.
Essex Police praised the thorough investigation that led to the convictions, stating it sends a clear message that violent disorder will be met with serious consequences.
