John Ashby, 32, has pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court in the UK to the rape, robbery, and strangulation of a Sikh woman whom he targeted in her home after following her from a bus stop. The change in plea occurred on the second day of the trial, shortly after a courtroom confrontation involving a member of the public.

The incident took place in Walsall in October 2025. According to the prosecution, Ashby followed the victim to her residence and entered the property while armed with a stick. When the woman attempted to seek refuge in her bathroom, Ashby forced his way inside, disabled the lighting, and told her he was “here to have fun”.

During the attack, Ashby subjected the victim to a series of religious insults. Prosecutor Phil Bradley KC told the jury that Ashby targeted the woman with anti-Muslim abuse, under the mistaken belief that she was of the Muslim faith. 

The court heard that Ashby strangled the woman, struck her with the stick, and forced her into a bathtub while running hot water over her.

Evidence presented in court detailed how Ashby demanded the victim call him “the master” and repeat specific phrases. 

He also made comments regarding his own ethnicity during the assault. The attack ended when Ashby heard a noise outside and fled the premises, taking the victim’s jewelry and mobile phone.

Ashby was apprehended two days later in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham. When shown a photograph of the victim by police, he questioned why she was not wearing a hijab. 

The trial took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when a man, identified as a member of the Sikh community watching the proceedings, approached the dock and shouted at Ashby. This followed a period where Ashby had been seen mumbling and swearing under his breath during the presentation of evidence. 

Following the disruption, Ashby consulted with his legal counsel and opted to admit to the charges of rape, robbery, intentional strangulation, and religiously aggravated assault.

Justice Pepperall noted the gravity of the case, stating that a stranger who breaks into a home to commit such acts while expressing hostility based on presumed religion is a “dangerous person”. 

The judge confirmed he is considering a life sentence for Ashby, who is scheduled to be sentenced this Friday.