Asylum seeker at protest hotel guilty of sexual assault

An asylum seeker hotel resident has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl just days after arriving in the United Kingdom on a small boat.

- JOSH PAYNE SAM RUSSELL

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu's behaviour in July sparked protests and counterprotests in Epping, Essex.

Further demonstrations were held outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the country.

During his three-day trial at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, evidence was put forward that he told two teenagers he wanted to "have a baby with each of them" and attempted to kiss them.

He then went on to put his hand on one of the girls' thighs and stroke her hair, the court heard. Kebatu was also found to have sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg, and telling her she was pretty.

Kebatu, who was a "teacher of sports" in his home country, denied all charges against him. He told the court he is "not a wild animal".

District judge Christopher Williams took just 30 minutes to return his guilty verdicts and outline his reasoning yesterday.