Asylum seeker jailed for sex attacks that sparked UK anti-migrant protests

An Ethiopian asylum seeker was jailed for 12 months on Tuesday for sexually assaulting a teenage girl and a woman, crimes that triggered anti-migrant protests across the UK.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was found guilty of five offences, including sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment.

Prosecutors said Kebatu had arrived in England by small boat just over a week before he approached the 14-year-old girl, attempted to kiss her and put his hand on her thigh during incidents in Epping in early July.

Kebatu’s arrest prompted thousands of people to protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, northeast of London, where he was staying along with other newly-arrived migrants.

Multiple protests targeting other hotels housing migrants followed in other British cities and towns, with some of the demonstrations attended by far-right activists.

District Judge Christopher Williams said Kebatu's actions must have been a "disgusting and sickening" experience for the girl, who was wearing her school uniform at the time.

"You sought to portray yourself as a victim and that you'd been made to be a scapegoat," Williams said while sentencing Kebatu at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

The judge also said Kebatu could not have expected that his acts would cause protests.

"You couldn't have anticipated that your offending behaviour as an asylum-seeker housed at the Bell Hotel would cause such a response from the public," Williams said.

"Particularly in Epping, but also across the UK, resulting in mass demonstrations and fear that children in the UK are not safe."

The court heard that Kebatu wanted to be deported after serving his prison sentence.

Tensions have long simmered over the British government’s policy of using hotels to house migrants who are awaiting a decision on their asylum status.

Critics argue that it costs taxpayers millions of pounds, while the hotels become flashpoints in communities, leaving migrants feeling targeted by local residents.