Displaying items by tag: child safeguarding

An Ethiopian asylum-seeker has been jailed for a year after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex. Hadush Kebatu, who had arrived in the UK by small boat just eight days earlier, was found guilty of harassment, two sexual assaults, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempted sexual assault. His arrest sparked protests outside the Bell Hotel, where he had been housed. At Chelmsford magistrates’ court, judge Christopher Williams described the offences as 'disgusting and sickening’, noting the lasting fear inflicted on the schoolgirl, who said she now feels unsafe going out with friends. Kebatu also assaulted a woman who had offered to help him with his CV, placing his hand on her thigh. He is subject to automatic deportation under the UK Borders Act 2007 once his sentence is served. Essex police praised the victims for their bravery in testifying. The case has reignited public concerns over safeguarding, asylum accommodation, and the protection of vulnerable people from predatory behaviour. See also