A resident of a hotel housing migrants in Epping is to face trial today accused of a sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl as she ate pizza in a town centre. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 41, is accused of approaching a group of children in the Essex town on July 7 and assaulting the girl. He denies the allegations against him and faces a trial before JPs at Chelmsford Magistrates Court.
Kebatu, 41, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. The asylum seeker is accused of committing the offences in Epping on two days last month, eight days after he arrived in the UK illegally by small boat.
The case has been fast-tracked with Kebatu being ordered to face a trial within 56 days, District Judge Christopher Williams revealed.
Serena Berry, prosecutor, told an earlier hearing how one of the alleged victims had been approached “on a busy High Street”.
She said Kebatu had “no ties to anyone or any place in the UK”, adding: “Immigration have confirmed he has only been in the UK since 29 June 2025.”
Raphael Piggott, defending, said: “I believe he is here as a refugee or asylum seeker, and that he arrived informally on a boat.”
Mr Piggott subsequently said after the hearing that it was believed Mr Kebatu, who spoke only to enter his pleas and confirm his personal details, was Ethiopian.
Essex Police said it became aware of alleged offences after a girl reported concerns the day after the alleged incident occurred.
