The Federation referenced the offender’s repeated use of racist language during the attack.

The Sikh Federation UK has urged a judge to show no leniency ahead of the sentencing of a man who admitted a religiously aggravated rape in Walsall.

John Ashby is due to be sentenced tomorrow at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty on Tuesday, April 21 to rape, robbery, intentional strangulation and religiously aggravated assault.

Ashby was a complete stranger to the woman who was returning from work when he targeted her.

The jury had heard that within seconds of her getting off the bus just after 6.30pm when he began following her.

Ashby barged his way into the victim’s home, telling her he was ‘here to have fun’. He struck her with a stick and squeezed her neck while calling her names and referring to himself as her “master”.

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Dabinderjit Singh OBE, a lead executive at the federation, said: “Although the victim was spared the ordeal of giving evidence when Ashby changed his plea to guilty the judge should not show any leniency for the horrific attack.

“The vicious attack took place in the victim’s home. Those that have watched the video footage from the bus and read details of the attack have been horrified as Ashby chose a victim that was a complete stranger.

“The racial hatred and hostility towards the Sikh victim is a fact that should not be overlooked by the judge when sentencing.

“Ashby’s repeated reference to being “white” and “superior” during the attack and his ignorance about the racial and religious identity of the Sikh victim is critical when sentencing.”

The offences relate to an attack in Walsall in October last year. Police have described the incident as “abhorrent,” adding that the language used during the victim’s ordeal made it even more serious.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Mr Justice Pepperall warned Ashby he could face life imprisonment.

“Upon your admission and the verdict of this jury, you have been convicted of very serious offences,” he said. “It seems to me that anybody who commits these sorts of offences in these circumstances is a very dangerous individual. The court must have in its mind whether or not a life sentence is the appropriate sentence. You must remain in custody.”

Rav Dhillon, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "This was a deeply disturbing attack driven by religious hatred, carried out against an innocent woman in her own home – where she would expect to feel safest.

"We worked closely together with West Midlands Police to build a robust case which included CCTV footage, DNA evidence, witness testimony and the strength of that evidence left the defendant no choice but to plead guilty.

"Our thoughts are with the victim, and we hope this outcome brings her some measure of justice."