British Man Charged with Racially Aggravated Rape, Assault of Sikh Woman in Walsall

John Peter Ashby, a 32-year-old white British man with no fixed address, has been charged with the rape, attempted strangulation, religiously aggravated assault, and robbery of a Sikh woman in her 20s in the Park Hall area of Walsall. The attack occurred on October 25, 2025, and Ashby was remanded in custody after entering no plea at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, with a scheduled appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on November 26, 2025. Authorities have emphasized ongoing support for the victim through specially trained officers and increased police patrols and engagement with the local community to address concerns about safety. Police and community leaders have held discussions about women's safety and measures to improve comfort and security, particularly in faith establishments. The incident has caused significant fear and shock within the Park Hall neighborhood and the local Sikh community, with UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood calling it a horrific crime and seeking assurances that affected communities are being supported. The case remains under active investigation by West Midlands Police, led by Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer.