Ethiopian Asylum Seeker Accused of Groping Hotel Worker in Southampton Hotel
A court in Southampton has heard disturbing allegations against an Ethiopian asylum seeker, who is accused of groping a hotel worker's left breast after a week of inappropriate behaviour towards staff. The incident, described as an "escalation" by prosecutors, occurred at the Highfield House Hotel, where the migrant had been accommodated by the Home Office.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to prosecution statements presented to Southampton Magistrates Court, 23-year-old Melaku Gebresembet allegedly approached the female hotel worker and, "out of nowhere," grabbed her left breast over her clothing on January 16. The alleged victim reported feeling "frightened" and "embarrassed" by the sudden assault, which she said happened as she was attempting to push Gebresembet out of an office area.
The court was told that this serious incident followed a pattern of concerning behaviour. For the week preceding the alleged groping, Gebresembet had been "inappropriately touching" staff members' faces and behind their ears, despite repeated requests from the victim to leave her alone. Prosecutors emphasised that the alleged sexual assault represented a significant escalation from this previous conduct.
Conflicting Accounts and Bail Controversy
The defence presented a markedly different version of events. Khalid Missouri, representing Gebresembet, claimed his client had raised his arm to prevent the woman from grabbing him and did not intentionally touch her in a sexual manner. Missouri acknowledged that CCTV footage existed but described it as unclear regarding what actually transpired, though he noted it showed Gebresembet's hand making contact with the woman's elbow and upper arm area.
Despite prosecution objections citing a "significant" risk of reoffending and the potential for a custodial sentence if convicted, magistrates initially granted Gebresembet bail. The conditions required him to reside at the Mercure Stanwell migrant hotel in Staines-upon-Thames, report to police three times weekly, and avoid Southampton and Hampshire except for court appearances.
Legal Proceedings and Community Context
The prosecution immediately appealed the bail decision, resulting in Gebresembet remaining in custody pending a review by a judge. This appeal is scheduled to be heard within 48 hours, likely at Southampton Crown Court on January 23. A provisional trial date has been set for April 6, 2025, though this may change depending on the appeal outcome.
This case unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Southampton regarding migrant accommodation. The Highfield House Hotel has been the site of regular anti-migrant protests in recent months, reflecting broader community concerns about asylum seeker placements in local facilities.
Gebresembet, who arrived in the UK in August 2021 according to defence statements, now faces serious legal proceedings that will determine both his immediate freedom and potential long-term consequences. The case highlights complex issues surrounding asylum accommodation, community relations, and judicial decision-making in sensitive criminal allegations.
