An asylum seeker staying at a hotel in Essex that became the focus of protests has been jailed for 12 months for the assault of a 14-year-old girl and a woman.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, who had been living in the Bell hotel in Epping, was found guilty last month of two counts of sexual assault and one of attempted sexual assault, committed days after arriving in the UK on a small boat.

Local anger over the case triggered protests outside the hotel over the summer, which far-right activists and others sought to exploit.

Police have made 32 arrests and charged 21 people connection with incidents of disorder, which has included officers being assaulted.

More details soon …