‘Manipulative’ asylum seeker at centre of Epping hotel protests jailed for sexually assaulting girl
Epping hotel asylum seeker jailed after sexually assaulting woman and teenage girl
- Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian national and asylum seeker, has been jailed for 12 months for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl.
- Kebatu, 38, who arrived in the UK on a small boat, was found guilty of five offences, including sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and harassment without violence.
- The judge described Kebatu as "manipulative" with a "poor regard for women" and stated there was "no realistic prospect" of his rehabilitation, deeming him a "significant risk of reoffending".
- The incidents, which occurred shortly after Kebatu's arrival, sparked multiple demonstrations and counter-protests outside asylum hotels across the UK.
- Kebatu must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years and is subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order; he had expressed a wish to be deported.