Court battle to end hotel’s asylum stays

A TORY-led council has launched legal action aimed at stopping an Essex hotel from housing asylum seekers following a string of protests and counter-protests.

- By James Knuckey

The Bell Hotel in Epping became a flashpoint after a migrant resident was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, denies sexual assault and is due to stand trial later this month.

Now Epping Forest Council has applied for an interim injunction to prevent the Bell Hotel’s owners housing more asylum seekers until a planning application for change of use is submitted and granted.