UK Court Convicts Ethiopian Asylum Seeker of Sexual Assault in Epping

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by crossing the English Channel on a small boat, has been convicted in England of multiple sexual assault charges involving a 14-year-old girl and an adult woman near the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Kebatu was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence after evidence showed he attempted to kiss the teenager, touched her thigh, and brushed her hair, with similar allegations from the adult woman. He denied the charges, claiming he only greeted the girl and disputing the accusations, while highlighting his background as a sports teacher and asserting he was “not a wild animal.” The case triggered significant anti-migrant protests at the Bell Hotel and other locations housing asylum seekers, alongside counter-demonstrations, reflecting tensions around immigration and asylum policies. Kebatu’s journey to the UK involved travelling through multiple countries including Ethiopia, Sudan, Libya, Italy, and France. The judge confirmed the victims’ testimonies were consistent and credible, leading to Kebatu’s conviction.