An asylum seeker living in an Epping hotel has been slapped with a 12-month jail sentence for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl.
New Arrival Commits Shocking Assaults
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel on a small boat just days before the attacks. The Ethiopian national targeted two teenage girls, telling them he wanted to “have a baby with each of them” before making unwanted advances. He tried to kiss them, placed his hand on one girl’s thigh, and stroked her hair.
He also assaulted a woman, attempting to kiss her, placing his hand on her leg, and calling her “pretty.”
Protests Rock Epping Over Asylum Hotel
Kebatu’s vile acts sparked major protests outside england/the-bell/”>england/the-bell/”>the Bell Inn hotel in Epping, Essex, where he was housed. Demonstrations and counterprotests quickly spread to other asylum hotels nationwide.
The local council sought to ban the Bell Inn from housing asylum seekers, but the government successfully appealed against this move.
Swift Justice and Harsh Sentence
Kebatu denied all charges but was found guilty by District Judge Christopher Williams in Chelmsford magistrates court after just 30 minutes of deliberation. He was convicted of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and harassment without violence.
The judge sentenced Kebatu to a year behind bars. He must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years and is subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Kebatu was ordered to pay £650 in prosecution costs plus a £187 victim surcharge.
Victims Speak Out
The woman said she felt “angered and frustrated” since the attack. “He did not even appear to know that what he’s done was wrong.” She admitted the incident left her fearful of leaving the house and troubled most nights.
The 14-year-old girl said she now “checks Overover her shoulder” when out with friends. “Wearing a skirt now makes me feel vulnerable and exposed.” She added, “Seeing the bench where it happened reminds me of everything.”
Calls for Deportation
Despite his claims of remorse, a pre-sentencing report labelled Kebatu’s attitude “manipulative.” Prosecutor Stuart Cowen revealed Kebatu admitted UK laws were strict but said, “Epping is chaos and I got a lot of migrants in trouble.”
His defence lawyer said Kebatu wishes to be deported and suffers from mental health issues. Kebatu has no previous convictions in the UK, Ethiopia, or other countries he passed through.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp slammed the handling of the case: “Justice has been served and the government must deport this criminal immediately. Illegal immigrants should not be housed in hotels — they should be booted out.”
Legal Fallout
Under the UK Borders Act 2007, Kebatu must be issued a deportation order following his custodial sentence of 12 months.
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