Rapist John Ashby was discharged from mental health treatment just days before attacking a woman in Walsall, a court has heard. The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated rape at Birmingham Crown Court, where the judge expressed concern over his release without an after-care package.
Discharge Without Support
The court was told that Ashby was homeless at the time he followed and raped his victim last October. He had been detained under the Mental Health Act from September 5 to October 22, 2025, after experiencing a psychotic episode. Despite showing improvement, he was discharged three days before the attack. Mr Justice Pepperall noted that while a decision was made that Ashby was no longer psychotic, the legal requirement for a support package was not followed.
History of Violence
The judge highlighted Ashby's criminal record, which includes convictions for carrying weapons, criminal damage, assault, theft, drug possession, harassment, and breach of a restraining order. During his detention, Ashby exhibited violent behaviour, including punching a staff member multiple times and making death threats. He also grabbed a woman on the street while high on drugs, claiming he was “sexually frustrated.”
Medical records showed Ashby continued to abuse drugs during leave and was repeatedly violent, threatening, abusive, and racist while in the secure unit. The judge stated, “Only you are responsible for your subsequent actions,” but expressed concern that proper after-care arrangements were not in place, as required by the Mental Health Act.
Sentencing
Ashby was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years. The judge emphasised the importance of structured after-care and accommodation upon discharge, not only for the patient’s welfare but also to manage risks to public safety.
