The court heard the defendant was placed by the Home Office at the hotel, which has been the subject of repeated anti-immigration protests.
He is accused of approaching the woman and grabbing her, but has entered a not guilty plea.
Khalid Missouri, defending, said: “He was born in Eritrea. It is a country whose indigenous population can claim asylum.
“Multiple human rights violations occurred in Eritrea and for some reason it’s taken five years, he is still waiting for a decision.”
The case was adjourned for a bail hearing at Southampton Crown Court and a trial in April 2027.
