Try GOLD - Free
Asylum seeker who was in Epping hotel denies touching girls
The Guardian
|August 28, 2025
An Ethiopian man who became the focus of far-right demonstrations outside a hotel in Epping after being accused of sexually assaulting two teenagers has denied touching them.
"I'm not a wild animal. I can't do these kind of things," Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an asylum seeker housed at the Bell hotel in Epping, told his trial at Colchester magistrates court yesterday.
Speaking through an interpreter he added: "This is anti-Christian - these are just children, innocent children."
Kebatu, who told the court he was a 38-year-old sports teacher in Ethiopia, denies three counts of sexual assault against two 14-year-old girls and a woman in Epping town centre on 7 and 8 July this year. He also denies one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence.
He told the court he only said "hello" to the schoolgirl and her friends in Epping town centre, and nothing more, because he was "worried about my asylum case".
This story is from the August 28, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian
The Guardian
Brother of Southport killer asks if attack could have been prevented
The brother of the Southport killer has asked a public inquiry to determine whether officials could have stopped his sibling causing “the most immense pain, anguish and grief”.
2 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
Salt sizzles in Ireland to ensure Bethell’s big day goes to plan
Jacob Bethell’s big day began awkwardly and ended with England dominant.
3 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
'Sexist': Powell criticises claim she is a proxy for a Burnham challenge
Lucy Powell has hit out at the “sexist” framing of her deputy Labour leadership campaign as some claim she and her rival, Bridget Phillipson, are standing as proxies for two men.
1 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
Donnarumma: Guardiola will improve my ball-playing
Gianluigi Donnarumma has said he believes Pep Guardiola will help improve his ball-playing skills and that Manchester City were interested in signing him before the summer.
2 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
Thin Duck? Heston offers new menu for people on appetite suppressants
When gazing at a Michelin-starred meal, the average diner's first thought is not usually: \"I wish I'd got less food.
3 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
Super League faces 11th-hour challenge on expansion plan
Super League’s proposed expansion to 14 teams is at risk of an 11th-hour challenge from clubs amid fears it could jeopardise the future of rugby league as a professional sport.
2 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
Daily aspirin found to cut risk of colorectal cancer returning
A daily dose of aspirin can substantially reduce the risk of some colorectal cancers returning after surgery, according to a trial into the protective effects of the painkiller.
1 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
US attorney general faces rightwing backlash over vow to target 'hate speech'
The US attorney general's pledge that the Trump administration will “absolutely target” people who use “hate speech” in the wake of the killing of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk has prompted criticism from across the political spectrum, including from prominent conservatives.
2 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
Mahmood accuses asylum seekers of 'vexatious' claims in effort to stay
Shabana Mahmood has accused asylum seekers of making “vexatious last-minute claims” to avoid removal to France as the Home Office said it would review modern slavery laws to save Keir Starmer’s returns deal.
3 mins
September 18, 2025
The Guardian
Un-dead as a dodo
De-extinction firm 'step closer' to resurrecting bird
3 mins
September 18, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size