Asylum Seeker Hotel Resident Accused of Inappropriate Behaviour with Teenagers

A resident of an asylum seeker hotel in the UK has been accused of making inappropriate comments to two 14-year-old girls, including telling them he wanted to have a baby with each of them, after they offered him pizza. The alleged incidents have sparked protests and counter-protests outside the hotel, with the case attracting significant public attention due to the defendant's personal circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

• Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old resident of the Bell Hotel, allegedly made inappropriate comments to the two 14-year-old girls, including telling them he wanted to have a baby with each of them.
• The alleged incidents occurred on July 7 and 8, with one of the girls and a member of the public also alleging that Kebatu attempted to kiss and touched them inappropriately.
• Kebatu denies three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence.
• Similar protests have been held outside hotels across the country housing asylum seekers, with the case attracting significant public attention due to the defendant's personal circumstances.
• The Bell Hotel, owned by Somani Hotels Limited, will have its bid to appeal against a ruling that it cannot house asylum seekers at the site heard by the Court of Appeal on Thursday.

Statistics:

• The defendant, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, is 38 years old.
• The alleged incidents occurred on July 7 and 8.
• The two 14-year-old girls were allegedly approached by Kebatu on July 7, before he attempted to kiss them again the following day.
• A member of the public also alleges that Kebatu tried to kiss her, put his hand on her leg, and tell her she was pretty on July 8.

Sources:

• [Elizabeth Cook/PA: Photo of the courtroom scene]
• [Chelmsford Magistrates' Court: Hearing the case against Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu]
• [Court listings: Somani Hotels Limited's bid to appeal against the ruling]