A man who raped a Sikh woman in a religiously aggravated attack after following her from a bus has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years. John Ashby, 32, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to rape, robbery, intentional strangulation, and religiously aggravated assault on the second day of his trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Details of the attack
The court heard that Ashby followed the woman off a bus and into her home in the West Midlands in October last year. Once inside, he beat her with a stick, shouted racist and anti-Muslim abuse, and raped her while declaring himself a "British master". The prosecutor, Phil Bradley KC, told jurors that Ashby forced his way into her bathroom despite her screams, attempted to strangle her, and subjected her to racial and religious abuse throughout the ordeal.
Sentencing remarks
Passing sentence on Friday, High Court judge Mr Justice Pepperall stated that Ashby's remarks during the attack "reveal you as a deeply unpleasant racist and Islamophobe". He added: "You raped this woman after you forced your way uninvited into her home. You held her against her will as you sexually and physically assaulted her for at least 24 minutes." The judge also addressed the victim and her partner in the public gallery, expressing admiration for their bravery and hope that they can rebuild their lives with time, love, and support.
Background of the offender
The court was informed that Ashby had 10 previous convictions for 18 offences and a history of drug abuse-related mental illness. At the time of the rape, he was homeless, having been discharged from psychiatric care three days earlier without a support package after being deemed no longer psychotic. He later tested positive for cocaine use.
Evidence and prosecution
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that Ashby was linked to the attack through DNA evidence and fingerprints found at the scene, and he was identified by the victim in an identity parade. Senior Crown Prosecutor Rav Dhillon said: "This was a deeply disturbing attack driven by religious hatred, carried out against an innocent woman in her own home – where she had every right to be and feel safe." He added that the CPS worked closely with West Midlands Police to present a robust case based on CCTV footage, DNA evidence, and witness testimony, and that the court was invited to treat the religious hostility as an aggravating feature.
The victim's courage was praised, and it is hoped that the sentencing brings her some measure of justice.
