Overview
- John Ashby, 32, was charged by the CPS with rape, sexual assault, intentional strangulation, racially aggravated actual bodily harm, and robbery.
- The defendant appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, did not enter pleas, and was ordered held until his Crown Court appearance.
- West Midlands Police said the victim, a woman in her 20s identified locally as a Sikh student, was not known to the suspect and is receiving support from specially trained officers.
- Police released CCTV to identify a suspect, made an arrest the following day, increased patrols in Walsall, and visited faith establishments to discuss women’s safety.
- Officials noted community concern following a separate racially aggravated sexual assault of a Sikh woman in nearby Oldbury last month that remains under investigation, and the CPS reminded the public of the defendant’s right to a fair trial.