An Ethiopian asylum-seeker has been jailed for a year after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex. Hadush Kebatu, who had arrived in the UK by small boat just eight days earlier, was found guilty of harassment, two sexual assaults, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempted sexual assault. His arrest sparked protests outside the Bell Hotel, where he had been housed. At Chelmsford magistrates’ court, judge Christopher Williams described the offences as 'disgusting and sickening’, noting the lasting fear inflicted on the schoolgirl, who said she now feels unsafe going out with friends. Kebatu also assaulted a woman who had offered to help him with his CV, placing his hand on her thigh. He is subject to automatic deportation under the UK Borders Act 2007 once his sentence is served. Essex police praised the victims for their bravery in testifying. The case has reignited public concerns over safeguarding, asylum accommodation, and the protection of vulnerable people from predatory behaviour. See also

Epping Forest District Council has applied for an interim High Court injunction to stop asylum seekers being housed at the Bell Hotel. In recent months hundreds of people have demonstrated outside the hotel, protesting against its current use. The council says there is a clear risk of further escalating community tensions. Council leader Chris Whitbread expressed frustration over having to take legal action, while a spokesperson noted that the hotel's location, near schools and a care home, adds to residents’ anxiety. The protests intensified after a hotel resident was arrested and charged with multiple offences, though he denies the allegations. Refugee charity Care4Calais has said that some asylum seekers are now scared to go outside. The Home Office says it has reduced the number of asylum hotels from 400 in summer 2023 down to 210. Meanwhile, the leader of Dudley council has said that housing asylum seekers is a drain on the local economy: see