An Eritrean asylum seeker who lied about his age to live with a host family has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on a train. Meron Habtu, now 29, entered the UK illegally in 2020, claiming to be 17 when he was actually 24, and was placed with a family in Upwey, near Weymouth, Dorset.
Assault on the train
On September 11, 2022, after visiting friends in Bournemouth, Habtu boarded a train from Poole to Weymouth. He cornered the teenage victim as she exited the toilet, telling her she was 'really beautiful'. Despite her stating she was 15 and not interested, he followed her, blocked her path, and touched her breasts three or four times. He also stroked her face and tried to force his phone into her hands before she escaped in tears.
Victim's ordeal
The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she felt 'terrified'. She refused to take a train for a year afterward and still dreads public transport. Her friend testified that the victim immediately burst into tears and was distressed, prompting them to move carriages. Train guard Chris Batterby confirmed Habtu smelled of alcohol and was slurring his words.
Court proceedings
At Poole Magistrates' Court, Judge Orla Austin described Habtu's explanation—that he stumbled into the girl accidentally—as 'ludicrous and self-serving'. She stated that an immediate custodial sentence is being considered. Habtu has a prior conviction for sexual assault on a woman.
Defense and background
Habtu claimed he fled war-torn Eritrea and gave a false age to join his family in the UK. He denied intentionally touching the girl, saying he may have stumbled due to train movement. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced later this month.
