A man who targeted a Sikh woman because he thought she was Muslim, subjected her to racial abuse, and raped her in her own home has been sentenced to life in prison. John Ashby, 32, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday.
Attack and Trial
Ashby followed the woman from a bus to her home in Walsall last October. During the attack, he called her a 'bloody Muslim bitch' and claimed to be her 'British master'. He initially denied charges of rape, robbery, intentional strangulation, and religiously aggravated assault, but changed his plea mid-trial after a man from the public gallery approached the dock and told him to 'sort your shit out'.
Victim's Ordeal
The victim was due to give evidence when Ashby changed his plea. In a video interview, she recounted how Ashby entered her home with a stick, turned off the lights, and said he wanted 'fun' with her, calling her a 'f****** Muslim bitch'. She corrected him, saying she was Sikh, not Muslim.
Evidence and Sentencing
Prosecutors presented DNA evidence, fingerprints on a vape, and identification from a lineup. CCTV showed Ashby near the scene carrying a two-foot stick. The judge described the outburst that led to the plea change as an 'ugly incident'. Ashby was jailed for life with a minimum of 14 years.
