ETHIOPIAN ASYLUM SEEKER CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN EPPING
Update 29/10/2025: Migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu has been deported to Ethiopia................................................................................................................................................................................................................
An Ethiopian asylum seeker named Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has been accused of multiple sexual assault charges shortly after his arrival in the UK.
According to court reports, Kebatu, aged 38, reportedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl just days after arriving in the country on a small boat.
Prosecutors allege that in early July, Kebatu approached a group of children in Epping and engaged in inappropriate behaviour, including making sexualized comments about making "babies" and following a 14-year-old girl with the intent to kiss her.
Over two days, he reportedly committed three sexual assaults.
On July 8, he is accused of approaching a woman over 18, attempting to kiss her, touching her thigh, and telling her she is "pretty." He is also alleged to have touched the thigh of the same 14-year-old girl, brushed her hair from her face, and tried to kiss her again.
Kebatu denies these charges, which include three counts of sexual assault, as well as allegations of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence.
He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and was remanded into custody until a further hearing scheduled for August 13.
The trial is set for August 26 and 27 at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
The case is being treated as racially aggravated.
The incident has sparked protests and calls for the closure of the hotel where he was staying, the Bell Hotel in Epping, and additional police measures have been put in place to ensure community safety.
