Asylum seeker ‘sexually assaulted' girl days after arriving in UK on small boat sparking protest outside migrant hotel
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, is accused of three sexual assaults in two days with all the alleged offences taking place in Epping.
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Kebatu, who is originally from Ethiopia, was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence.
He appeared at Colchester magistrates' court last week and denies all charges which relate to two teenagers and a woman.
The 38-year-old defendant, of High Road in Epping, was remanded in custody after the hearing.
The charges sparked a protest of about 300 people outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on Sunday.
Those in attendance said they were protesting against the continued use of the local hotel as an asylum centre.
Police had to break up a fight between two men outside the three-star establishment used to house migrants.
Protesters were seen clashing with counter-demonstrators as tensions rose in Epping.
At least two people suffered injuries, but Essex police reported no arrests.
Kebatu is looking at facing a trial within 56 days, District Judge Christopher Williams said in court on Thursday.
Migrant camps brace for impact as UK-France deal fuels crossings
Prosecutor Serena Berry told the 45-minute hearing at Colchester magistrates' court that one of the alleged victims had been approached "on a busy High Street".
She said Kebatu had "no ties to anyone or any place in the UK", adding: " Immigration have confirmed he has only been in the UK since 29 June 2025."
Raphael Piggott, defending, said: "I believe he is here as a refugee or asylum seeker, and that he arrived informally on a boat."
Essex Police said it became aware of alleged offences after a girl reported concerns.
Supt Tim Tubbs said: "We're aware of a significant amount of public discussion around this case - and I understand that."
Targeted police patrols would continue in the town, he added.
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