Hadush Kebatu, an asylum seeker, has become the focus of a nationwide manhunt following a shocking series of incidents involving the sexual assault of a woman and a 14-year-old girl. Kebatu, who arrived in the UK by boat just days prior to the assaults in July, had been residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping when these events unfolded.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Kebatu made alarming advances towards two teenage girls, expressing his desire to “have a baby with each of them.” His behavior escalated to unwanted physical contact, including placing his hand on one of the girls’ thighs and stroking her hair. The victim, feeling uncomfortable and frightened, described her experience, stating that she “froze” and firmly told him, “No, I’m 14.”
Additionally, Kebatu was convicted of similar actions towards an adult woman who intervened after observing him interacting with the underage girl. District Judge Christopher Williams highlighted the significant risk Kebatu posed of reoffending, leading to a sentence of 12 months in prison.
Kebatu’s legal representative indicated that he expressed a strong desire to be deported. According to the UK Borders Act 2007, individuals convicted of certain offenses and given custodial sentences of a year or more are subject to mandatory deportation orders. However, recent reports from Sky News suggest that while Kebatu was scheduled to be released from prison with the expectation that immigration enforcement would take him into custody for deportation, the circumstances surrounding his subsequent release remain unclear.
This troubling case has triggered widespread protests and ignited discussions about the safety of communities and the procedures surrounding the handling of asylum seekers with criminal backgrounds. The ongoing situation demands attention as authorities continue their efforts to locate Kebatu, emphasizing the importance of public safety.