Ethiopian Asylum Seeker Denies Sexual Assault Charges in Epping Trial

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker, testified in court that he did not touch the girls he is accused of sexually assaulting. He stated, "I’m not a wild animal. I can’t do these kind of things," and added, "This is anti-Christian – these are just children, innocent children." Kebatu, who claims to have been a sports teacher in Ethiopia, is facing charges of sexual assault against two 14-year-old girls and a woman in Epping town center. He also denies charges of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence.

Kebatu told the court that he only greeted the schoolgirl and her friends in Epping town center, stating he was concerned about his asylum case. The adult accuser, who testified via video link, said she was shocked and angry after Kebatu touched her thigh and witnessed him touching one of the girls. Kebatu claimed the woman was drunk and threatened to call the police if he didn't go to her house.

When questioned about CCTV footage showing him on his knees apologizing to the woman, Kebatu explained he was trying to calm her down because she was agitated and drunk. He added that he was worried about the impact on other immigrants at the Bell hotel. The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, said she was shocked and uncomfortable after Kebatu touched her while she was helping him with his CV. She also stated she witnessed him touching one of the girls.

The defense attorney, Molly Dyas, asked the woman if she fabricated the allegations due to her anger towards Kebatu being an asylum seeker. The woman denied this, stating she had no issue with asylum seekers and was angry because he had touched a 14-year-old girl. She described Kebatu as "begging, pleading and apologising" when she confronted him about the alleged assault on the girl.

During cross-examination, the prosecutor, Stuart Cowen, accused Kebatu of being a sexual predator. Kebatu denied the accusation, reiterating that he could not commit such acts. He also shared that he had been living at the hotel for about a week before his arrest, after traveling through Sudan, Libya, Italy, and France to reach the UK. He stated he paid approximately €1,800 to cross the Channel by boat. The prosecutor acknowledged the case had received significant publicity due to Kebatu's personal circumstances. The trial was adjourned until September 4th.