Video footage has shown the moment Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was reduced to tears while being placed under arrest by police officers.
The asylum seeker was confronted by police after he allegedly tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
The video was shown during his ongoing trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.
Kebatu, who was staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping, is alleged to have tried to kiss the schoolgirl after she offered him a slice of her pizza.
The police officer tells Kebatu 'don't cry'
|CPS
The alleged incident sparked a wave of protests across the country against asylum hotels.
During the footage shown in court, a police officer tells the man: “I’m arresting you on suspicion of sexual assault of a female under 16-years-old.”
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Kebatu appears exasperated as he sits in the back of a police car with its blue lights flashing.
He asks the officer: “How much minutes?”, to which the officer says: “You’re going to the police station now. You’re under arrest.
Kebatu was placed under arrest
|CPS
As the officer proceeds to handcuff Kebatu, the asylum seeker then becomes tearful.
The officer seeks to reassure him, saying: “Don’t cry, it’s going to be okay.”
He added: “Step onto the pavement so I’ve got a bit more room. You can leave your shoes on. It’s okay.”
Prosecutors allege Kebatu approached the uniformed teenager and her companions whilst they were sitting on a bench after school on July 7, then returned the next day.
Protesters have been taking to the streets in Epping in their continued demonstration against the hotel
| PAThe court heard he allegedly complimented the girl's appearance and expressed a desire to "make babies" with her during both encounters.
The accusations include claims that on the second occasion, Kebatu physically grabbed the 14-year-old's thigh and suggested she would make "a good wife".
He allegedly attempted to persuade her to accompany him to his accommodation.
The defendant faces multiple charges, including three counts of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, harassment, and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
Kebatu has pleaded not guilty to all five charges against him.
During his court appearance, Kebatu strongly refuted the allegations, stating he would be incapable of harming children due to his religious beliefs and professional background.
"I am not a wild animal, I can't do these things. These are children, they are fragile. I am a Christian, it is not in my culture," he told the court.
The defendant claimed to have worked as a teacher in Ethiopia before arriving in Britain.
When questioned about his presence in Epping, Kebatu asserted: "This is the UK, I have a right of movement. I was walking with my friend."
He maintained he had not engaged in conversation with the teenager or her friends, explaining he had been preoccupied with concerns about his asylum application at the time of the alleged incidents.