Ethiopian Asylum Seeker Denies Sexual Assault in UK Trial

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker and former sports teacher, is on trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping, Essex, whom he approached on July 7 and 8. Kebatu denies all charges, insisting through a Tigrinya interpreter that he did not touch the girl or attempt to kiss her, stating, "I'm not a wild animal" and emphasizing his Christian faith and respect for children. The court heard that Kebatu traveled to the UK via Sudan, Libya, Italy, and France, paying thousands of euros to arrive by rubber dinghy, and was staying at the Bell Hotel when the alleged incidents occurred. Witnesses described Kebatu as showing inappropriate interest in the teenage girls, including placing a hand on the girl's thigh and attempting a kiss despite her stating her age. Kebatu explained his apology on camera as an attempt to calm an agitated, intoxicated woman and expressed concern about the impact of the case on other immigrants at the hotel. The case has incited local protests and counter-demonstrations around the Bell Hotel.