Hadush Kebatu is an Ethiopian asylum seeker who was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment because of several criminal se* offences committed in Epping against a woman and a 14-year-old girl.
The events that occurred in July, when Kebatu spent time at The Bell Hotel, led to serious local protests and counter-demonstrations.
Kebatu was found guilty by Chelmsford Magistrates of five crimes, which include assault, attempted assault, inciting a child, and harassment without violence.
At the sentencing hearing, District Judge Christopher Williams referred to Kebatu as being manipulative and said that he had premeditated his victims.
The judge noted that Kebatu knew too well that the girl was just a 14-yea-old child as this was evident from her school uniform.
An impact statement made by the teenager revealed the real impact of the crime, which left her feeling exposed in her uniform and when she is out with friends she always feels like checking over her shoulder.
An adult victim was heard by the court as well reporting that Kebatu has brought her frustration as well as anger due to his actions.
Judge Williams praised her bravery in defending herself and others rightly.
The defence counsel representing Kebatu, Molly Dyas, was informed about the background of a tough and time-consuming process her client underwent to reach the UK by using a small boat.
She indicated that Kebatu has a firm desire to be deported immediately because of his serious mental health issues, which resulted in the attempt to kill himself in custody.
But Judge Williams dismissed a suspended sentence, finding that there was no real recidivism. So there was no realistic prospect of rehabilitation and that Kebatu presented a high risk of recidivism. Kebatu did not openly respond to the sentence but bowed his head when being marched out of the courtroom.