Man set to appear in court in connection with rape of Sikh woman in Walsall

John Ashby will appear at the Crown Court today (Wednesday, November 26) after entering no plea at Birmingham Magistrates Court on October 29.

Ashby, 32, of no fixed address, was charged with rape, sexual assault, strangulation, racially aggravated actual bodily harm and robbery following the incident on October 25.

A woman in her 20s was raped after being attacked in the Park Hall area of Walsall.

Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, of Walsall Police, said at the time of the arrest: “We know the fear and concern this attack has caused in our communities.

“We continue to speak to people in the community to listen to and understand their concerns.

“Officers have visited faith establishments in Walsall and spoken with local leaders about women’s safety and what measures men can take to make women feel more comfortable.

“We need to continue to maintain those conversations and how we build on women’s safety in the community.”