A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the rape and religiously aggravated assault of a Sikh woman in Walsall. John Ashby, 32, was given a minimum term of 14 years after admitting to the attack, which occurred in October 2025. The court heard that Ashby, who was homeless at the time, followed the victim—a stranger—from a bus to her home, where he broke in armed with a stick. He subjected her to a 24-minute assault, during which he shouted anti-Muslim abuse, wrongly believing her to be Muslim. Ashby also strangled the victim and forced her into a bathtub, turning on hot water while demanding she comply with his demands. The judge described Ashby as a 'deeply unpleasant racist and Islamophobe.'
Ashby was discharged from mental health treatment just three days before the attack. Birmingham Crown Court heard that he had been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 after a psychotic episode but was released without an aftercare package. His medical records revealed a history of drug abuse, violent behavior, and racist outbursts. The judge noted that Ashby had previous convictions for weapons possession, assault, and harassment. During his arrest, Ashby made racist remarks, including questioning why the victim was not wearing a hijab.
The attack has raised concerns about mental health care protocols. The court was told that Ashby’s discharge violated statutory requirements for aftercare, leaving him without support despite his history of violence and psychosis. His barrister acknowledged the lack of a care plan, which may have contributed to the attack. The victim, who was in her 20s, was not present for sentencing but was addressed by the judge, who acknowledged the trauma she endured.