AN asylum seeker has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl just eight days after he arrived in the UK on a small boat.
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, is accused of three sexual assaults in two days with all the alleged offences taking place in Epping.
Kebatu, who is originally from , was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence.
He appeared at magistrates’ last week and denies all charges which relate to two and a woman.
The 38-year-old defendant, of High Road in Epping, was remanded in custody after the hearing.
The charges sparked a protest of about 300 people outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, , on Sunday.
Those in attendance said they were protesting against the continued use of the local hotel as an asylum centre.
had to break up a fight between two men outside the three-star establishment used to house migrants.
Protesters were seen clashing with counter-demonstrators as tensions rose in Epping.
At least two people suffered injuries, but police reportedno arrests.
Kebatu is looking at facing a trial within 56 days, District Judge Christopher Williams said in court on Thursday.
Prosecutor Serena Berry told the 45-minute hearing at Colchester magistrates’ court that one of the alleged victims had been approached “on a busy High Street”;.
She said Kebatu had “no ties to anyone or any place in the UK”;, adding: “ have confirmed he has only been in the UK since 29 June 2025.”;
Raphael Piggott, defending, said: “I believe he is here as a refugee or asylum seeker, and that he arrived informally on a boat.”;
Essex Police said it became aware of alleged offences after a girl reported concerns.
Supt Tim Tubbs said: “We’re aware of a significant amount of public discussion around this case – and I understand that.”;
Targeted police patrols would continue in the town, he added.
