John Ashby, 32, has pleaded guilty to rape, religiously aggravated assault, intentional strangulation, and robbery after attacking a Sikh woman at her home in Walsall. The victim, in her 20s, was targeted by Ashby who used Islamophobic slurs, believing she was Muslim.
Ashby initially pleaded not guilty but changed his pleas after being confronted by a member of the public in Birmingham Crown Court. The judge, Justice Pepperall, warned he was considering a life sentence, describing Ashby as a 'very dangerous individual'.
The court heard that Ashby followed the woman home in October last year. He entered her home, strangled her, and repeatedly abused her, calling her a 'fucking Muslim bitch' and claiming to be her 'master'. The attack ended when Ashby fled after being spooked by a noise, stealing jewellery and a mobile phone.
DNA and fingerprint evidence linked Ashby to the crime. During a police interview, he questioned why the victim was not wearing a hijab, despite her identifying as Sikh. The attack has caused fear among Sikh women in the Midlands, with many altering their daily routines.
Sikh Women's Aid, supporting the victim, criticised Ashby for changing his plea partway through the trial, prolonging the victim's trauma. The charity expects the sentencing on Friday to reflect the severity of the harm caused. Chief Superintendent Samantha Batey of Walsall Police condemned the attack as 'abhorrent and violent'.
