Overview

• Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu is due at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after being found guilty of five offences, with the judge indicating immediate custody is expected.
• The convictions cover two counts of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and harassment without violence.
• Trial evidence described Kebatu attempting to kiss two teenagers, making explicit comments, touching one girl’s thigh and hair, and trying to kiss and touch an adult woman.
• In related protest cases, seven men accused of violent disorder over July demonstrations outside Epping’s Bell Hotel have trial dates set for March 23 and June 1, 2026.
• Bail and custody decisions varied: some defendants were bailed, others remanded, with a hearing on October 16 for Aaron Elles to seek to vacate an earlier guilty plea and a separate October 6 hearing for Luke Fleming.