Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Eritrean Asylum Seeker Pleads Not Guilty to Assault

1/21/2026

35 7

Summary

Story summary

Melaku Gebresembet, an Eritrean asylum seeker, has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a hotel staff member at Highfield House Hotel in Southampton.
The incident occurred on Friday.
Gebresembet has waited five years for his asylum claim to be processed.
The defense cited human rights violations in Eritrea to explain the lengthy asylum process.
The case will proceed at Southampton Crown Court.

1 of 1

Story summary

Melaku Gebresembet, an Eritrean asylum seeker, has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a hotel staff member at Highfield House Hotel in Southampton.
The incident occurred on Friday.
Gebresembet has waited five years for his asylum claim to be processed.
The defense cited human rights violations in Eritrea to explain the lengthy asylum process.
The case will proceed at Southampton Crown Court.