A small boat migrant has appeared in court accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl and inciting her to engage in sex.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, is alleged to have put his hand on the school-girl’s leg, asked her for a kiss and suggested they make ‘Jamaican babies’ in Epping over two days last week, Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court was told.

The Ethiopian asylum seeker, who had arrived in the UK by small boat eight days prior, denied three charges of sexual assault against two girls aged 14 and 16, inciting a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence.

Kebatu's arrest on Tuesday, July 8, prompted a huge anti-migrant demonstration in Epping on Sunday - and a counter ‘Refugees Welcome’ protest which led to clashes between rival demonstrators.

Now, the court has heard how on July 7 the schoolgirl was allegedly sitting at a bench in Epping High Street with friends eating pizza when Kebatu approached.

Prosecutor Sharon Hall said: ‘Mr Kebatu approached [the schoolgirl] while she was eating pizza. There was some suggestion that the children gave Mr Kebatu some pizza when he asked for it.

‘He then made comments to [the schoolgirl] and another girl, saying “Who wants to have a kiss and make love and have Jamaican babies?”