Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, has been found guilty of two counts of sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl and a woman, as well as attempted sexual assault. The offences occurred days after he arrived in the UK on a small boat on 29 June.
The trial at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard that on 7 July, Kebatu tried to kiss two girls after one offered him a pizza, and invited them to the hotel. A 14-year-old boy testified that Kebatu asked the girls to 'come to the Bell hotel to have babies, then we could go to Kenya with each other'. The advances were rejected, and the girls made clear they were 14.
The following day, Kebatu sexually assaulted a woman by putting his hand on her leg after she offered to help with his CV. The woman, who testified via video link, said she was left 'shocked and uncomfortable' and had seen him touching one of the girls.
District Judge Christopher Williams found Kebatu guilty of five offences, including inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment. He warned Kebatu to expect an immediate custodial sentence when he returns to court on 23 September. Kebatu, who claimed he had worked as a teacher in Ethiopia, denied the charges.
The case sparked protests outside the hotel, which far-right activists sought to exploit. Police made 32 arrests and charged 21 people with disorder, including assaults on officers. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: 'We understand the strength of feeling, but no crime should become an excuse for the disorder we have seen.'
Conservative shadow minister Katie Lam commented: 'This case shows the very real risks of housing illegal migrants in hotels. Every illegal migrant should be detained immediately and swiftly deported.' Following the verdict, Epping Forest Council announced it would appeal against the overturning of a temporary ban on using the hotel for asylum seekers.
