Man, 32, is charged with racially aggravated rape, strangulation and robbery of woman in Walsall
A man has been charged with the racially aggravated rape, strangulation and robbery of a woman in Walsall.
John Ashby, 32, of no fixed abode, was today charged with one count of rape and sexual assault following an alleged assault on a woman he did not know.
The white British man was also charged with intentional strangulation, racist assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery in relation to the same victim.
Ben Samples, Head of the CPS West Midlands Rape and Serious Sexual Crime Unit, said: ‘We have decided to prosecute John Ashby for rape, sexual assault, intentional strangulation, racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery.
‘This follows an investigation by West Midlands Police into the rape and assault of a woman in her 20s at a property in Walsall.
‘Our prosecutors have worked to determine that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal prosecution.
‘John Ashby will appear for his first hearing at a confirmed court date on 29 October 2025.
A man has been charged with the racially aggravated rape, strangulation and robbery of a woman in Walsall (pictured)
‘We remind all concerned that the criminal case against the defendant is active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
‘It is vital that there is no reporting, commenting or sharing of information online that could undermine these operations in any way.’
The UK Sikh Federation said in a statement yesterday that the victim was believed to be a Sikh student.
Superintendent Phil Dolby, of Walsall Police, said: ‘We know the fear and anxiety this attack has caused in our communities.
‘We continue to talk to people in the community to listen and understand their concerns.
‘Officers visited faith organizations in Walsall and spoke to local leaders about women’s safety and what action men could take to make women feel more comfortable.
‘We need to continue to have these conversations and how to improve the safety of women in society.’
Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer, of West Midlands Police’s public protection unit, said: ‘The woman who was attacked was notified of the decision to charge this evening.
‘He continues to be supported by our specially trained officers.’
