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Story summary
- The council spent £566,000 in its legal battle against housing asylum seekers at The Bell Hotel in Epping.
- The Conservative-led council lost its case in November 2025 after an asylum seeker was jailed for sexual offences.
- Protests erupted in summer 2025 after Hadush Kebatu assaulted two women.
- The council argues that the hotel owner breached planning laws.
- The council is appealing the High Court's decision.
