Overview
- Police charged Melaku Gebresembet with sexually assaulting a staff member at Highfield House Hotel in Southampton, with the alleged incident on January 16 reported on January 19.
- Appearing at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, he entered a not guilty plea to the charge.
- Magistrates initially indicated conditional bail at an alternative hotel, but prosecutor Graham Heath lodged an immediate appeal, keeping the defendant in custody.
- A judge at Southampton Crown Court is due to consider the prosecution’s appeal on Friday, as the criminal investigation continues.
- Highfield House is used to accommodate asylum seekers and has been the focus of regular protests and counter-demonstrations, with police holding community meetings to manage safety concerns.