Dozens of angry locals gathered outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex tonight. Their outrage follows the jailing of an asylum seeker for sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
Outrage After Migrant Jailed for Sex Attack
Hadush Kebatu, 41, an Ethiopian migrant housed at the Bell Hotel, was sentenced to 12 months in jail today. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl. Court heard Kebatu placed his hand on the girl’s thigh, tried to kiss her, and said he wanted to marry her. He was convicted of five sex offences, including inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity. A Tigrinya interpreter helped during the trial.
Fury Erupts in Epping as Locals Protest Outside Migrant Hotel
News of Kebatu’s conviction sparked fresh protests outside the Bell Hotel tonight. Angry locals waved St George’s Cross and Union Jack flags while setting off red flares. Police were on scene to keep order. Hundreds had already demanded the removal of asylum seekers from the hotel after Kebatu’s arrest in July. The Bell has become a hotspot for anti-immigration protests across Essex and beyond.
Home Office Moves to Deport Convicted Migrant
The Home Office confirmed it will seek to deport Kebatu immediately. A spokesperson said:
“When foreign nationals commit serious crimes in our country, we will always do everything in our power to deport them. Our government increased the number of foreign national offenders removed by 14% in its first year, and we will continue to remove these vile criminals from our streets.”
Legal Battle Over Migrant Housing at Bell Hotel Rages On
Epping Forest District Council fought to stop the Bell Hotel being used for migrant accommodation. They won a High Court injunction ordering the building to be cleared by September 12. But the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling after an appeal by the Home Office and hotel owners Somani. Migrants remain housed there temporarily while a further hearing is set for October. The council accuses the hotel of unlawful operations, fueling tensions in already nervous local communities.
