John Ashby, 32, has pleaded guilty to rape, religiously aggravated assault, intentional strangulation, and robbery after attacking a Sikh woman he mistakenly believed to be Muslim. The assault took place at the victim's home in Walsall in October last year.
Ashby initially pleaded not guilty but changed his pleas after being confronted by a member of the public in Birmingham Crown Court. The individual approached the dock and told Ashby to 'sort your shit out', prompting him to consult his barrister and alter his pleas.
The court heard that Ashby followed the woman home from work and forced his way into her bathroom as she tried to lock the door. He strangled her, used Islamophobic slurs, and called her a 'fucking Muslim bitch'. The victim, who is Sikh, corrected him during the attack. Ashby fled after being spooked by a noise, taking the victim's jewellery and mobile phone.
Prosecution lawyer Philip Bradley KC cited DNA and fingerprint evidence linking Ashby to the scene. In police interview, Ashby made comments about 'Englishmen' in Perry Barr and asked why the victim was not wearing a hijab. The judge warned that a life sentence is being considered, describing Ashby as 'a very dangerous individual'.
The attack has caused fear among Sikh women in the Midlands, with Sikh Women's Aid supporting the victim. Chair Sukhvinder Kaur criticised Ashby for prolonging the trial and called for a sentence reflecting the severity of the harm. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday.
Chief Superintendent Samantha Batey of Walsall Police condemned the attack as 'abhorrent' and reiterated the force's commitment to women's safety. The Sikh Federation UK also welcomed the guilty plea but condemned Ashby's lack of accountability.
