Hadush Geberslasie Kebatu

Hadush Geberslasie Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in custody at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 23 September 2025. Following a trial, he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. These offences were committed in Epping on 7 and 8 July 2025 against a 14-year-old girl and an adult woman. The court heard that Kebatu targeted the minor in a public area, attempting to kiss her and placing his hand on her thigh, and later solicited sexual activity. He also assaulted an adult woman who had offered him assistance with his employment documents. District Judge Christopher Williams noted that the offender's behaviour was unwanted and that he posed a significant risk of reoffending. The Home Office has indicated it will seek his deportation following the completion of his custodial sentence. The court proceedings followed an investigation by Essex Police regarding events that occurred shortly after Kebatu arrived in the UK.