Local government body, Epping Council, to escalate legal dispute over the Bell Hotel issue to the highest judicial level, the Supreme Court.

In a series of events that have stirred controversy in the town of Epping, Essex, an asylum seeker named Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl. The trial took place at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, with District Judge Christopher Williams returning a guilty verdict in just 30 minutes.

Kebatu's behaviour, which included attempting to kiss the teenagers and making inappropriate comments, sparked protests and counter-protests in Epping. His actions have also led to the Epping Forest District Council's decision to take its fight to close the Bell Hotel to the Supreme Court.

The council has instructed its legal team to proceed with an application to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal the Court of Appeal's decision, a move that was taken in consultation with group leaders. The specific reasons for wanting to close the Bell Hotel are not disclosed.

It is worth noting that no information about the identity of the group leaders or the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal is provided. Similarly, no further information about the specific reasons for Kebatu's asylum application or the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal regarding the Bell Hotel is available.

Kebatu, a former teacher of sports in his home country, was found to have sexually assaulted the woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg, and telling her she was pretty. The sexual assaults occurred days after Kebatu arrived in the UK on a small boat.

The Court of Appeals has reversed a decision to close the asylum hotel following a wave of protests. The trial heard that Kebatu told two teenagers he wanted to "have a baby with each of them."

As the situation unfolds, the Epping Forest District Council is planning to have the Bell Hotel closed, a decision that has been met with both support and opposition in the community. The council's decision to take their case to the Supreme Court is a testament to their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents.