Man admits rape and religiously aggravated abuse of Sikh woman

The judge warned that Ashby could face a life sentence and said he was considering it; sentencing was scheduled for Friday.

A man believed to be from the Sikh community walked to within three feet of the dock and swore at Ashby; a court usher was praised for his calm handling of the situation.

On the second day of the trial, Ashby admitted he was responsible for the October 2025 attack in Walsall. Proceedings were interrupted by a member of the public who swore at the accused; Ashby requested to speak to his barrister, and the disruption followed an apparent mumble in the dock during Crown evidence.

The hearing began at Birmingham Crown Court with Ashby denying the charges against him.

When booked into Perry Barr custody, he stated: 'you never see any Englishmen in Perry Barr anymore'.

During a police interview, when shown a photograph of the victim and asked whether he knew her, Ashby asked why she was not wearing a hijab.

The woman picked Ashby out as her attacker at an identity parade days after the attack.

Ashby was arrested two days after the attack in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham.

Ashby followed the woman as she got off a bus, entered her home armed with a two-foot stick, and raped her after forcing entry and turning off the bathroom light. During the assault, he subjected her to anti-Muslim abuse, incorrectly assuming she belonged to that faith. He demanded she strip, strangled her, and poured hot water over her while telling her to say 'hallelujah'. He referred to himself as 'the master' and claimed his private parts were 'white British'. After the attack, he fled with jewellery and a mobile phone; the woman raised the alarm and later identified him at an identity parade.