Essex Hotel Sexual Assault: Man Convicted After Protests Erupt
A man whose arrest ignited widespread demonstrations has been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault. The case, centered around Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 41, and incidents occurring near the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, has drawn significant public attention and fueled debate surrounding asylum seeker housing.
The Bell Hotel became a focal point for both supporters and detractors after Kebatu was initially arrested on July 13th following allegations of sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl. The three-day trial at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court concluded today with Kebatu being convicted on all charges, including 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.
According to court testimony, Kebatu, an Ethiopian national who previously worked as a “teacher of sports” in his home country, allegedly attempted to kiss the teenager, placed his hand on her thigh, and brushed her hair after she offered him pizza. A separate adult member of the public also accused Kebatu of unwanted advances, alleging he attempted to kiss her and made inappropriate comments shortly after his arrival in the UK via a small boat.
District Judge Christopher Williams reached the verdicts swiftly, requiring only 30 minutes to deliberate and deliver his reasoning. He stated he was “not persuaded there was any evidence to suggest the children fabricated any of the evidence they gave.” Kebatu, who appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit and with a translator present, showed no visible reaction to the guilty verdict.
The court heard disturbing details of Kebatu’s interactions with young people, including statements where he allegedly told two teenagers he wished to “have a baby with each of them.” Despite these allegations, Kebatu had previously maintained his innocence, claiming he was “not a wild animal.”
Kebatu is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on September 23rd, with the judge indicating an “immediate custodial sentence” is expected.
Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper praised the victims for their courage and the strength of the evidence they provided. “It is because of their accounts of what happened, and the close co-operation with our Crown Prosecution Service colleagues, that we have been able to secure this conviction,” he said. He further emphasized the police force’s commitment to investigating all reports “without fear or favour.”
The case has also drawn political commentary. Conservative shadow Home Office minister Katie Lam stated the verdict highlighted the risks associated with allowing asylum seekers “to roam around communities freely.” She described the crimes as “shocking and heart-breaking” and called for the immediate detention and swift deportation of all “illegal migrants.”
The incidents sparked both protests and counter-protests not only outside the Bell Hotel but also at other locations housing asylum seekers across the country. Rebecca Mundy, deputy chief crown prosecutor with CPS East of England, affirmed that prosecutors approached the case “carefully and impartially” to ensure justice was served according to the law.
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