A small-boat migrant accused of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl in Epping begged for forgiveness after the police were called, a court heard.
Ethiopian Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, allegedly tried to run off after grabbing the 14-year-old's thigh and trying to kiss her while she was sitting on a bench with friends after school.
But a woman who witnessed the incident chased after him, Colchester Magistrates Court heard, and called 999 after catching him.
A friend of the girl's said in a video interview played in court: 'After she caught him he was saying sorry, sorry to everyone.
'I was really creeped out. It was so weird.'
