Rapist John Ashby was discharged from mental health treatment just days before attack
The judge who convicted John Ashby of religiously aggravated rape of a stranger expressed concern that the 32-year-old was discharged without a care package after treatment for a psychotic episode.
Birmingham Crown Court was told Ashby was homeless when he stalked and raped his victim in Walsall last October and had been discharged by medical staff three days earlier.
The court heard he was “judged no longer psychotic” but the Mental Health Act requirements for him to be given a support package were not complied with.
Before sentencing Ashby to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years, Mr Justice Pepperall told him: “You had previous convictions for carrying a weapon, criminal damage, assault and battery, theft, drug possession, harassment and breaching a restraining order.
“Between 5 September and 22 October 2025, you were detained in a mental hospital under Sections 2 and subsequently Section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
“When you were admitted to the psychiatric intensive care unit, you were in a psychotic state. You were hearing voices, you believed that others could control and read your thoughts, and you were experiencing paranoid and persecutory delusions.
“You made good progress and were transferred to the emergency room as of September 13. By September 24, your thought process was no longer disorganized.”
The judge said that among the many disturbing entries in Ashby’s medical records was an incident in which Asbhy, who was a drug addict, grabbed a woman on the street.
The court heard the stranger screamed for help and others intervened, with Ashby claiming he was “sexually frustrated”.
There were also repeated reports that Ashby was still using drugs when he was allowed to go on leave, and that he had also acted “violent, threatening, abusive and racist” on multiple occasions while detained in a secure unit.
When Ashby was discharged on October 22 last year – three days before the rape – he punched a staff member multiple times in the head and face and threatened to kill her.
The judge told Ashby: “You are solely responsible for your subsequent actions.
“However, I am concerned that the medical records indicate that you were discharged without any aftercare arrangements as required (under the Mental Health Act).
“Structured care after a period of detention under the law, and at least accommodation after discharge, is important not only for the benefit of the patient, but also for managing the risk the patient may pose to public safety.”
