A man who arrived in the UK just over a week ago has denied multiple sexual offences allegedly committed over two days in Essex.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker, is accused of carrying out three sexual assaults in Epping on Monday and Tuesday—just eight days after crossing to the UK by boat.

 

The allegations have sparked political pressure to shut down a local hotel housing asylum seekers, with the leader of Epping Forest District Council calling the incidents “deeply disturbing”.

Mr Kebatu appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges, including inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence. He was remanded in custody pending trial within 56 days, as directed by District Judge Christopher Williams.

 

Prosecutor Serena Berry told the court that one of the alleged assaults took place “on a busy High Street”, and confirmed Mr Kebatu had “no ties to anyone or any place in the UK”. Immigration records show he arrived on 29 June.

 

His solicitor, Raphael Piggott, said his client had come to the UK seeking asylum and arrived “informally” by boat. Mr Kebatu spoke only to confirm his identity and enter pleas.

Essex Police said they were alerted after a girl came forward on Tuesday. Superintendent Tim Tubbs acknowledged public concern, saying police had increased patrols in the town.

 

The case has fuelled growing debate over the use of local hotels to accommodate asylum seekers. Council leader Chris Whitbread said the local authority had previously objected to the hotel being used in this way, and thanked officers for their swift action.

 

A Home Office spokeswoman responded to criticism, citing “unprecedented strain” on the asylum system. She said the government was working to clear backlogs and reduce reliance on temporary hotel accommodation.

“We’ve already removed more than 24,000 people who had no right to remain,” she said. “By restoring order to the system, we can end the use of asylum hotels and reduce costs to the taxpayer.”

Mr Kebatu will remain in custody ahead of his trial.

 

 Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-07-16

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know Epping very well, used to work there for the council. 

 

Was also hopitalized twice at St Margerets Hospital Epping after motorbike accidents.....

Is anyone surprised about this.

This is the nasty, disgusting, dross that is being helped into the uk everyday.

By the uk government past and present.  

Just shameful. 

 

 

 

 

And if anybody objects then they are classed as far-right trouble makers.