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An Eritrean migrant who entered the UK illegally by crossing the Channel has avoided further jail time after being sentenced for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman with learning difficulties.
Aron Hadsh, 27, was housed in a taxpayer-funded hotel near Heathrow when he assaulted the “extremely vulnerable” young woman in June 2023. Despite being sentenced to 14 months in prison, he has now been released due to time already served in custody.
There, he pinned her to his lap and groped her, laughing as she fled in fear. The deeply shaken young woman later spotted her attacker while shopping, leading to Hadsh’s arrest by concerned members of the public.
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Conviction and Sentencing
Hadsh was found guilty of sexual assault but acquitted of kidnapping. Judge Alastair Rolf Hammerton described the attack as “deeply distressing” and said Hadsh presented a “high risk of reoffending”.
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Despite showing no remorse and continuing to deny the offence, the judge noted that Hadsh had served the equivalent of the full sentence while on remand, leading to his immediate release from custody.
Hadsh was also handed a five-year restraining order banning contact with the victim.
Victim’s Statement: “I shut down in fear”
In an emotional impact statement, the victim said:
“I felt my body shut down. I was scared he’d kill me. I didn’t understand why he was doing that to me.”
Her mother added that the young woman has since struggled with anxiety and fear, and can no longer go out alone.
Background and Public Concern
Hadsh arrived in the UK illegally via small boat and was accommodated near Heathrow at public expense.
The case has reignited concerns over the placement of unvetted asylum seekers in residential areas and the risks posed to vulnerable members of the public.
Appeal for Reforms
Local leaders and campaigners are urging the Home Office to implement tighter checks on asylum seekers and reassess housing strategies for individuals awaiting immigration decisions.
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