Dozens gathered tonight outside england/the-bell/”>england/the-bell/”>the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, following 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 previously housed at the Bell Hotel, was sentenced to 12 months in jail today after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl.
The court heard Kebatu placed his hand on the girl’s thigh, tried to kiss her, and told her he wanted to marry her. He was convicted of five sex offences, including inciting the victim to engage in sexual activity. During the trial, a Tigrinya interpreter assisted him.
Fury Erupts as Locals Protest Outside Migrant Hotel
The news sparked fresh protests outside the hotel tonight. Locals waved St George’s cross-england/”>cross/”>Cross and Union Jack flags while setting off red flares. Police were on site to monitor the gatherings.
Hundreds had already voiced anger after Kebatu’s July arrest, demanding asylum seekers be removed from the Bell Hotel. The building became a focal point for anti-immigration protests across Essex and beyond.
Home Office to Deport Convicted Migrant
The Home Office confirmed it will seek to deport Kebatu. 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 Accommodation Continues
Epping Forest District Council fought to block the use of the Bell Hotel for migrant housing and initially won a High Court injunction to clear the building by September 12.
However, the Court of Appeal later overturned the order after an appeal by the Home Office and hotel owners Somani, allowing migrants to remain temporarily.
A further hearing is scheduled for October, with the council accusing the hotel of unlawful operations. The situation is casting a long shadow over local communities already tense over the migrant crisis.
