An Ethiopian asylum seeker jailed for sexually assaulting a teenage girl and a woman in Epping may not be deported immediately, despite new legal powers meant to fast-track removals.
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for five offences, including sexual assault and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. He had arrived in the UK by small boat just days before the attacks in July. His arrest triggered large anti-migrant protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he was staying, and later sparked demonstrations across the UK.
The Home Office recently introduced powers that allow foreign offenders to be deported after serving 30 percent of their sentence, reduced from the previous 50 percent. Since Kebatu has already spent time in custody since July, he is eligible for immediate deportation. However, the UK does not have a formal returns agreement with Ethiopia, making removals complicated.
Figures show that only one Ethiopian offender was deported in 2024, and two in the first half of 2025. The Home Office also lists some Ethiopian regions as unsafe, meaning legal challenges could be raised under human rights laws. Ethiopia is not covered by the “deport now, appeal later” policy applied to 23 other countries.
In court, Kebatu’s lawyer said he wished to be deported as soon as possible, but the process still depends on Ethiopian authorities providing the necessary documents. For now, Kebatu must serve at least six months in prison. He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and made subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Victim impact statements revealed the lasting harm caused by his actions. The 14-year-old girl said she now feels “vulnerable and exposed” wearing a skirt and constantly checks over her shoulder in public. The woman he assaulted said the incident left her anxious and fearful of leaving her home.
Judge Christopher Williams said Kebatu showed little genuine remorse and posed a high risk of reoffending. He added that while the offender could not have predicted his crimes would trigger widespread protests, his actions caused “mass demonstrations and fear that children in the UK are not safe.”
The case has reignited political debate over housing asylum seekers in hotels. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp demanded Kebatu’s immediate deportation, accusing the government of failing communities like Epping. The Home Office said it was taking action to remove him but stressed that deportations depend on cooperation with Ethiopia.