Guilty Verdict for Ethiopian Immigrant in Sexual Assault Case

An Ethiopian immigrant, who has been linked to protests against illegal immigration in the UK, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

Hadush Kebatu, 41, faced charges including sexual assault, harassment, and enticing the girl into sexual activity. His conviction came on Thursday.

During the trial, it was revealed that Kebatu had reportedly approached a group of girls in Epping about a month prior. The girls were startled when he allegedly made inappropriate advances, expressing a desire to, in his words, “have a baby” with them.

Witnesses described disturbing behavior, suggesting he was in an excited state while attempting to touch them.

One of the young victims recounted her experience during a police interview, stating that Kebatu told her that if she went back to the hotel with him, she could have a baby. “I really couldn’t move. It shocked me,” she said. “I felt sick in my stomach. I couldn’t believe an adult would think that’s okay.”

In his defense, Kebatu’s supporters claimed that the interactions were fabricated by the girls. However, the judge dismissed this argument, stating that there was no evidence to support claims that the children had concocted their stories.

Kebatu will remain in custody as he awaits sentencing in three weeks, with the judge indicating that a prison sentence is likely.

This case has inflamed tensions in the community, particularly around the Bell Hotel in Epping, where Kebatu resided at the time, funded by taxpayer money. Demonstrations have been ongoing for more than two months, with local residents demanding that the hotel be shut down.

Initially, the Epping Council had obtained a court order to close immigrant hotels, but this was overturned by the current government, which argued that the rights of asylum seekers took precedence over local safety concerns. The council is now considering an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The protests in Epping are part of a larger movement, with similar demonstrations taking place in various cities across the UK, reflecting public frustration over the handling of over 32,000 asylum seekers, many of whom have entered the country illegally.