Man charged after racially aggravated rape of woman in Walsall
A man has been charged in connection with a racially aggravated rape in Walsall.
John Ashby, a white British man of no fixed abode, has been charged with one count of rape and sexual assault in relation to an attack on a woman he did not know, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
Ashby, 32, is also charged with intentional strangulation, racial assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery in relation to the same victim.
Ben Samples, head of CPS West Midlands rape and serious sexual offenses 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 worked to determine that there was sufficient evidence for this case to proceed to trial and that it was in the public interest to pursue criminal prosecution.”
He added: “We would like to remind all concerned that the criminal process against the defendant is continuing and that 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 CPS added that Ashby will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
West Midlands Police previously said they were called to the Walsall Park Hall area just after 7.15pm on Saturday after reports of a woman distressed in the street.
The UK Sikh Federation said in a statement on Monday that the victim was believed to be a Sikh student.
Chief Inspector Phil Dolby of Walsall Police said: “We know the fear and anxiety this attack has created 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 we build on 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 informed of the decision to charge this evening.
“He continues to be supported by our specially trained officers.”
