Eritrean Asylum Seeker Jailed, Facing Deportation After Sexual Assault

An Eritrean national, Behailu Naedw, 41, has been sentenced to four months in prison for sexual assault and is slated for deportation from the United Kingdom. The court heard that Naedw, who had previously been convicted of offenses including burglary and vehicle crime, withdrew his asylum application and now wishes to return to his native Eritrea.

During the incident in July 2025, Naedw, described as intoxicated, approached a woman in Prestatyn, North Wales, after attempting to enter a neighbor's property. The woman reported that Naedw grabbed her wrists and made suggestive remarks. A passing motorist intervened, preventing further escalation. Naedw later told police that the woman would have engaged in sexual activity with him if she had been alone, citing her kind eyes.

Naedw has a record of ten previous offenses dating back to 2022, including drug-related offenses, burglary, vehicle interference, property damage, and low-level assaults. His defense stated that his primary wish is to be returned to Eritrea and that he anticipates agreeing to voluntary deportation.

Judge Simon Mills remarked on the unusual circumstances, noting that it was fortunate a passer-by intervened. He expressed assurance from authorities that Naedw would remain in immigration detention until his deportation. The court was informed that Naedw had withdrawn his asylum claim in February, with his removal delayed by prosecution proceedings. The Home Office is expected to initiate an emergency travel order process, which typically takes 45 days, though voluntary deportation could expedite the matter.

This case comes as the Home Office recently imposed visa restrictions on Eritrea for failing to accept the deportation of criminals and illegal migrants. In the year leading up to June, nearly 5,900 Eritreans crossed the English Channel by small boat, the highest number from any single nation.