Verdicts expected for asylum seeker hotel resident accused of sexual assault

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu is alleged to have attempted to kiss a teenager, put his hand on her thigh and brushed her hair

Author: Ellie RobsonPublished 4th Sep 2025

A judge is expected to deliver his verdicts in the case of an asylum seeker hotel resident accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

Kebatu, who was a "teacher of sports" in his home country, denies the alleged incidents near the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, took place - previously telling a court he is "not a wild animal".

The alleged incidents sparked protests and counter-protests outside the former Bell Hotel and similar protests have been held outside hotels across the country housing asylum seekers.

Kebatu, 38, denies 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.

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