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Anger and unrest have been brewing among asylum seekers at an Essex hotel following the disturbing sexual offenses committed by one of their fellow residents. Hadush Kebatu, a man from Ethiopia, targeted a 14-year-old girl during two separate encounters in Epping on 7 and 8 July. This has led to protests outside The Bell Hotel, where Kebatu was residing, since his arrest and subsequent conviction on Thursday for five offenses.
Mohamed, a 45-year-old resident who has been staying at the hotel for five months, expressed the sentiment shared among many asylum seekers, stating, “He’s gone and we hope he doesn’t come back again.” Kebatu was part of a group of men at the hotel known for their excessive drinking and noisy behavior, which did not endear him to the other residents. The actions of Kebatu have caused a rift between the asylum seekers and the local population in Epping due to the shock and outrage caused by his egregious conduct towards a young girl.
During the three-day trial, prosecutors detailed Kebatu’s disturbing actions towards the 14-year-old girl, including making inappropriate comments and attempting to kiss her. The encounter escalated when he then sexually assaulted another woman who intervened. The details revealed in court led to the judge finding Kebatu guilty of two sexual assaults, harassment, incitement to engage in sexual activity, and an attempted sexual assault. As a result, Kebatu has been warned to brace himself for a prison sentence by the judge.
The imminent sentencing of Kebatu on 23 September has left the asylum seekers and the Epping community on edge. Mohamed, a resident from Somalia, who is awaiting his own asylum decision, has shared his disapproval of using hotels as migrant accommodations. He believes that the government should take measures to assist asylum seekers in finding employment rather than housing them in such facilities. The community group, Epping For Everyone, echoes the sentiment of seeking justice for the young girl and welcomes the conviction of Kebatu for his abhorrent actions
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