An asylum seeker staying at a hotel in Essex that became a focal point for protests has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and one of attempted sexual assault at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
The court heard that Kebatu, who arrived in the UK on a small boat on 29 June, approached two girls on 7 July after one offered him a pizza. He attempted to kiss them and invited them to the Bell Hotel in Epping, telling a 14-year-old boy that they could “come to the Bell hotel to have babies, then we could go to Kenya”. The girls rejected his advances and made it clear they were 14.
The following day, Kebatu sexually assaulted a woman by placing his hand on her leg after she offered to help with his CV. The woman, who remains anonymous, told the court via video link that she was left shocked and uncomfortable, and had also seen him touching one of the girls.
District Judge Christopher Williams also found Kebatu guilty of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence. He warned Kebatu to expect an immediate custodial sentence when he returns to court on 23 September. Kebatu, who claimed he worked as a teacher in Ethiopia, denied all charges.
The case sparked local anger and protests outside the hotel over the summer, with far-right activists seeking to exploit the situation. Police made 32 arrests and charged 21 people in connection with disorder, including assaults on officers. Conservative shadow minister Katie Lam said the case showed the risks of housing illegal migrants in hotels, calling for immediate detention and deportation.
Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper paid tribute to the victims, saying the force treated every report without fear or favour. The Crown Prosecution Service noted the case had caused deep concern in the community. Following the verdict, Epping Forest Council announced it would appeal against the overturning of a temporary High Court ban on using the hotel for asylum seekers.
