A 32-year-old man from Stockland Green in Birmingham has been remanded in custody after being charged with the brutal rape and assault of a Sikh woman in Walsall. The attack, which took place in the Park Hall area on October 25, left the victim in her 20s with actual bodily harm.
John Ashby, described as white British, was arrested following the incident and has been charged with rape, religiously aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, robbery of a mobile phone, and jewellery. During his first court appearance, Ashby entered no plea and failed to request bail, leading to his remand in custody.
The court hearing drew an emotional response from the public gallery, with one individual calling out Ashby as he was taken away by police. The judge swiftly intervened, saying that while feelings were high, such behavior was unacceptable.
Ashby is set to appear before a Crown Court on November 26, where he will face charges stemming from his alleged crimes against the victim, who was left traumatized after the attack.
John Ashby, described as white British, was arrested following the incident and has been charged with rape, religiously aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, robbery of a mobile phone, and jewellery. During his first court appearance, Ashby entered no plea and failed to request bail, leading to his remand in custody.
The court hearing drew an emotional response from the public gallery, with one individual calling out Ashby as he was taken away by police. The judge swiftly intervened, saying that while feelings were high, such behavior was unacceptable.
Ashby is set to appear before a Crown Court on November 26, where he will face charges stemming from his alleged crimes against the victim, who was left traumatized after the attack.
. I mean, a brazen assault like this leaves you wondering if we've done enough to promote unity and understanding between communities? The fact that John Ashby's actions were 'religiously aggravated' says a lot about the kind of values he holds dear - or rather, the lack thereof 
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. and it's not just the fact that he did it, but the hate factor with religiously aggravated assault - that's just awful 
. i'm glad the community came together in support of the victim, even if it got heated at the court hearing 
This case is just heartbreaking, you know? A young woman, her life forever changed by some twisted individual's actions. It's not even about the specifics of the crime, it's the fact that she had to go through this... 
Just thinking about it is making me sad. We need to keep working towards a society where everyone feels safe and respected, no matter their background or faith. Fingers crossed that justice will be served and this guy gets the punishment he deserves 
anyway, hope this woman gets the justice she deserves and ASAP, trauma from an attack like that must be really tough 
. We need to make sure John Ashby faces the full weight of his actions, and that his victim gets the support and care she needs during this traumatic time 
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. The judge had to intervene just to keep the courtroom from erupting into chaos – good call, by the way 
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It's sickening that someone would do this to another human being, let alone target someone because of their faith. We need to be supporting each other and looking out for one another in times like these 
I hope the justice system works quickly and John Ashby faces the consequences of his actions 
this is just so disturbing... i cant even process how someone can be that cruel. a Sikh woman in her 20s barely escapes with actual bodily harm and now she has to deal with the trauma of it all? 
. The fact that she's a Sikh woman doesn't make her any less of a victim, you know? The perpetrator's actions are absolutely despicable and I'm shocked he was able to carry out something so vicious without being stopped sooner 
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. The victim needs closure and support, and I hope she's able to get it soon 
. Rape and assault are never okay, regardless of circumstances 
. The fact that it happened in a public place like the Park Hall area is even more disturbing 
. My heart goes out to the victim, who's going through so much trauma right now 
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... I mean, what's wrong with some people? Can't they see how hurtful and disgusting their actions are? This poor Sikh woman was just minding her own business in the park when this monster comes along and assaults her... it's just barbaric. And for someone to call out Ashby at court, I get it, emotions are running high, but that wasn't the right way to do it... maybe he should've taken a deep breath instead of being so confrontational? 
I'm worried about the victim too, she must be going through hell right now. The fact that Ashby is charging her with robbery and jewellery theft just shows how twisted his mind is... anyway, fingers crossed for the victim and the justice system to get this guy where he belongs 
anyway, i hope justice is served on nov 26 and the victim gets the help & support she needs 
. Like, what's next? Everyone's gonna be walking around with a license to hurt people because they're "white British" or whatever that is supposed to mean 
. And btw, who does this guy think he is taking a mobile phone and jewellery from someone? That's just basic robbery, dude 
. Time to put some faces to names and make sure justice is served 
like this guy john ashby is literally a monster nvr thinks bout the impact of his actions on others. this case is just so upsetting i feel bad for the poor girl who went thru this she didnt do anything 2 deserve this 
. Can't wait to see how the trial unfolds and hopefully get some closure for the victim 
The fact that John Ashby chose to commit such a violent act against a Sikh woman in a public place is despicable