Epping sexual assault migrant sentenced

Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Kebatu jailed 12 months for sex assaults on woman & 14-year-old in Epping — case that ignited furious asylum hotel protests.

At Colchester Magistrates’ Court today, Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Kebatu was jailed for 12 months after being found guilty of a string of sexual offences that sparked angry demonstrations outside his asylum accommodation.

Kebatu, who had been staying at The Bell Hotel in Epping while awaiting a decision on his asylum claim, was convicted of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a child into sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence.

The court heard how Kebatu preyed on both an adult woman and a 14-year-old schoolgirl, with the judge stating he “knew full well” the younger victim’s age and posed a “significant risk of reoffending.”

The girl, who was wearing her school uniform when attacked, told the court she now feels “exposed” whenever she wears it. His adult victim said his actions left her “angry” and fearful.

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The July 8 arrest triggered a wave of anti-immigration protests and counter-demonstrations outside the Epping hotel, which saw community tensions boil over in the wake of Kebatu’s crimes.

Kebatu, who claimed throughout the trial that the allegations were a “fabrication” and denied wrongdoing, bowed his head and showed no reaction as sentence was passed. He was led away by dock officers immediately after.