Man, 38, denies trying to kiss 14-year-old girl in Epping
Essex Police said there was then a planned protest in the area of the Bell Hotel, with two security staff members seriously assaulted
A 38-year-old man has denied trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl in Essex.
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today.
Kebatu, 38, previously appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on July 10 where he pled not guilty to three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence, Essex Police said.
The offences are alleged to have occurred in Epping Forest District, on July 7 and July 8.
Kebatu, of High Road, Epping, is alleged on July 7 to have approached a group of children who were eating pizza and tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl, as well as asking her to kiss another child who was present, the court heard.
On July 8, Kebatu is alleged to have tried to kiss the 14-year-old girl again, with the defendant alleged to have put his hand on the girl's thigh and having tried to brush her hair.
On the same day, Kebatu is alleged to have tried to kiss a woman, as well as putting his hand on her leg and telling her that she was "pretty".
Kebatu, who wore a grey t-shirt, spoke in court through an interpreter to confirm his name, age and address.
He was remanded into custody by District Judge Christopher Williams and a two-day trial was scheduled for August 26 and August 27 at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.
District Judge Williams told Kebatu: "You have pleaded not guilty to these matters.
"There is going to be a trial so the court can hear the evidence and determine whether the prosecution can prove the case against you or not."
Essex Police said there was a planned protest in the area of the Bell Hotel, Epping, on Sunday.
The force added: "Whilst no offences were reported between the two groups of people at the protest site, two security staff members, both men, were seriously assaulted by a group of men at a bus stop in High Road.
"The two victims then managed to make their way past the protest site into the hotel, where there was a significant policing presence, to get help."
Both victims received hospital treatment for serious injuries, which were not life-threatening or life-changing, police said.
The force added that the incident was being treated as racially aggravated.
Police said a separate incident occurred on Tuesday with a man alleged to have shouted racial abuse at the Bell Hotel and to have caused damage to the property.
Essex Police said a man arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage had been released on bail while inquiries continue.
Superintendent Tim Tubbs added:
“I am acutely aware of the strength of feeling locally, specifically on an ongoing police investigation which at this stage has seen one man charged with a number of sexual offences.
“That case is continuing to progress through court and the suspect was remanded into custody after a hearing last week.
“We know there is significant discussion about this ongoing case within the community and indeed further afield. As the police, must be limited in what we say whilst a criminal investigation is progressing through the courts and the last thing we want is for any public discussion to hinder an ongoing prosecution.”
Supt Tubbs added:
“We understand people’s right to make their voices heard on issues which matter to them. We don’t seek to stifle this.
“People who do this peacefully, lawfully and responsibly cause us – and the wider public – no concern.
“However, we can never and will never tolerate criminal violence of any sort and anyone identified as committing crime will be dealt with robustly.
“There will continue to be a very visible policing presence in Epping in the coming days to ensure the safety of our community. If you’ve got concerns or information you feel we need to know, please do not hesitate to contact those officers.”