Asylum seeker in United Kingdom found guilty of committing sexual offences
In the past year, more than 50,000 migrants have made the perilous Channel crossing, marking a significant increase since Keir Starmer assumed the role of prime minister in July 2024. Amidst this influx, a local dispute has emerged in the town of Epping, Essex, centring around the Bell Hotel.
The Bell Hotel, a historic inn, has become a focal point of contention between the Epping Forest District Council and the Interior Ministry. The council obtained a temporary High Court injunction to halt the accommodation of asylum seekers at the hotel, following protests that erupted after the arrest of Hadush Kebatu.
Kebatu, a refugee who arrived in the UK by boat at the end of June, was staying at the Bell Hotel, where approximately 130 other refugees were housed. On July 8, he was arrested in Epping, northeast of London, and charged with several offences.
The court heard evidence of Kebatu's inappropriate interactions with children. A teenager testified that Kebatu had made unwanted advances towards her, stating he wanted to have a baby with her after she offered him pizza because he looked hungry. Kebatu was found guilty of 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.
Despite the verdict, Kebatu maintained his innocence, claiming he had only said "hello" to the girl and her friend because he was "worried about my asylum case". He also alleged that the woman was "drunk" and that she had said to him: "You are very handsome -- you need to come to my house."
The judge found clear and consistent evidence that Kebatu interacted with children, and the verdict has sparked renewed protests in Epping and other towns where asylum seekers are believed to be housed. The Epping Forest district council has expressed a desire to empty the Bell Hotel of refugees, adding fuel to the ongoing national debate over immigration policy in the UK.
Kebatu's sentencing is scheduled for September 23. This year's migrant crossings are on course to be record breaking, raising questions about the UK's ability to manage its immigration system and provide safe and secure accommodations for those seeking asylum.
