A 32-year-old man in the United Kingdom has admitted to carrying out a brutal, religiously aggravated rape and assault on a Sikh woman inside her home, after initially denying the charges during trial proceedings.
The accused, John Ashby, changed his plea at a court in Birmingham, accepting responsibility for the October 2025 attack that took place in Walsall. The trial had begun just a day earlier, with Ashby contesting the allegations before reversing his stance in court.
Followed Victim Home and Forced Entry
According to prosecutors, the assault began after Ashby followed the woman from a bus in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham. He reportedly picked up a stick from the ground and tracked her to her residence, where he forced his way inside.
Prosecutor Phil Bradley told the court that the woman tried to resist, but Ashby threatened and attacked her, hitting her with the stick and attempting to strangle her before forcing her into the bathroom. The court heard that the victim, who did not know the accused, was then raped.
Religious Abuse During Assault
During the attack, Ashby subjected the woman to abusive language targeting her religion. He repeatedly used anti-Muslim slurs, even though the victim told him that she was Sikh.
In her statement to the police, later presented in court, the woman said the attacker switched off the lights and told her he wanted to “have fun” while continuing the assault. Prosecutors said he then forced her into a bedroom, ordered her onto the bed, and continued making degrading remarks.
The court also heard that he poured hot water over her and forced her to say “hallelujah” during the ordeal.
Attacker Fled After Disturbance
The assault ended abruptly when Ashby appeared to hear a noise outside the property and fled the scene. Before leaving, he reportedly took jewellery and a mobile phone belonging to the victim.
The woman managed to alert authorities soon after the incident, and police reached the location within minutes. Body camera footage shown in court captured her distress as officers responded.
Ashby was arrested two days later, and the victim later identified him during an identity parade.
Courtroom Disruption During Hearing
The court proceedings were briefly disrupted when a man from the public gallery approached the dock and shouted at the accused. Ashby responded with abuse, prompting the judge to send the jury out and adjourn the hearing temporarily.
