John Ashby, a UK man who raped a Sikh woman after mistaking her for a Muslim, has been sentenced to life in prison. Ashby, who admitted his crimes earlier in the week, was sentenced on Friday.During sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Pepperall described Ashby as a “deeply hateful racist and Islamophobe”, as reported by the BBC.The attack occurred in October 2025, when Ashby followed the woman, who was in her twenties and unknown to him, after she got off the bus. He tracked her to her home in Walsall and entered the house carrying a stick he picked up from the ground.Once inside, he assaulted her, beat her with a stick, and tried to strangle her before forcing her into the bathroom, where he raped her.
During the attack, he shouted anti-Muslim abuse, despite the victim repeatedly telling him she was Sikh.The violence continued when he forced her into the bedroom, where he made insulting remarks and poured hot water on her, prosecutors said. He also forced her to say “Glory be to God” during the ordeal. The assault ended when he appeared disturbed by a noise outside, and he then fled and took the victim’s jewelry and mobile phone.
The woman reported the incident to police shortly after the incident, and officers arrived within minutes. She later identified Ashby in an identification parade, and he was arrested two days after the attack.Ashby admitted charges of rape, robbery, intentional strangulation and religious assault during the trial. He was told he must serve at least 14 years before he can be considered for parole.
