An Ethiopian national seeking asylum in the United Kingdom has been formally charged with sexually assaulting a member of staff at a hotel housing migrants in Southampton. The incident has reignited tensions surrounding the controversial accommodation facility, which has been the focal point of sustained local protests for several months.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Arrest
Melaku Gebresembet, aged 23, is accused of molesting a worker at the Highfield House Hotel on Highfield Lane. The alleged sexual assault is reported to have occurred on Friday, January 16, with the incident being formally reported to authorities on the morning of Monday, January 19.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the swift police response, stating: 'Following that report, officers immediately attended the hotel to take statements and identify and arrest the alleged suspect.' The force has now charged Gebresembet, who was residing at the hotel alongside over one hundred other asylum seekers, with sexual assault.
The accused was remanded in custody and appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court on the morning of January 21 to face the charge.
Hotel at Centre of Community Tensions and Protests
Highfield House Hotel has become a symbol of the heated national debate on immigration, serving as a regular venue for demonstrations. The group Southampton Patriots has organised frequent rallies outside the premises over recent months, voicing strong opposition to its use for housing migrants.
These protests are often met with counter-demonstrations from anti-racism groups, creating a volatile atmosphere in the local area. Superintendent Alex Charge of Hampshire Constabulary acknowledged the community impact earlier this month, noting: 'I know these protests can disrupt local residents' lives, and they do come with a range of emotions, but we are committed to ensuring these can be facilitated safely.'
The police have been holding quarterly meetings with community members to address local concerns stemming from the hotel's operation.
Business Closure Blamed on Hotel 'Issues'
The controversy extends beyond protests, with significant economic repercussions for neighbouring businesses. Ceno Bar and Restaurant, which shared a building with the hotel and specialised in British cuisine, closed its doors permanently on January 1, 2026, after two decades of operation.
Management attributed the shutdown directly to 'ongoing issues' connected to the Highfield House Hotel. A spokesperson for the eatery claimed that the premises had become home to over one hundred asylum seekers, leading to damage and operational challenges described as 'frustratingly impossible' to overcome.
Specific grievances included the hotel owners allegedly locking the car park for several months, preventing customer access, and ignoring repeated pleas for assistance regarding damage caused by residents. This closure highlights the broader community and commercial tensions associated with the migrant accommodation facility.
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings advance, against a backdrop of ongoing national discourse on asylum policy, community integration, and local authority responsibilities.
