James Skeet, 34, from Manchester, and Stephanie Aylett, 27, from St Albans, were arrested on April 15 and charged with aggravated trespass and breaching bail conditions in connection with recent disruptions at fuel sites in Essex.
Both Skeet and Aylett denied the charges and contested their bail breaches during a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on April 16. Despite their pleas, the court remanded them in custody.
The couple returned to Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on April 20 for a bail hearing. Bail was granted under strict conditions: Skeet must reside in Manchester, Aylett is required to stay at an address in Harpenden, and neither is permitted to enter Essex county except for court appearances.
The pair are scheduled to appear again at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on May 24.
Since April 1, Essex Police have charged 23 individuals linked to disruptive incidents across the Thurrock district. Of those charged, only one person, 64-year-old Catherine Maclean from West Sussex, has been convicted to date. She was fined £409 at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin commented on the situation: “There have been no incidents in Essex since Friday, but we remain ready to act against crime. We support lawful protest but will clamp down on criminal behaviour. Our response shows disruptive and reckless conduct will lead to arrest and court.”
He added, “I urge people to protest safely and responsibly, without risking injury to themselves, Essex Police, or emergency services.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
