Warning issued after image on social media claimed to be Walsall rape victim
John Ashby raped a Sikh woman in her own home and was jailed earlier this week.
A warning has been issued after an image of a woman was shared on social media claiming to be a Walsall rape victim.
John Ashby, aged 32, who raped a Sikh woman in her own home after following her off a bus in Walsall was jailed for life earlier this week.
After stalking her, drug addict Ashby armed with a large stick found a way to get into the woman's home before subjecting her to a terrifying racially-motivated ordeal during which she was struck, raped, strangled and assaulted, during which he verbally abused her.
Earlier this week at Birmingham Crown Court he was jailed for a total of 21 years and six months for intentional strangulation, religiously aggravated rape, assault and robbery on October 25 and must remain behind bars before being considered for release in future.
Victims of sexual offences are entitled to lifelong anonymity under UK law.
However, Sikh Women’s Aid said it had been brought to its attention that there is an image of a woman currently being shared on social media by individuals attempting to identify the victim survivor in the case, but confirmed the image being circulated is not the victim.
In a post shared on LinkedIn today, Sikh Women’s Aid said: “It has come to our attention that there is an image of a woman currently being shared on social media by individuals attempting to identify the victim survivor in the recent Walsall rape case.
“We want to confirm the image being circulated is NOT the victim.
“To be clear, the woman at the centre of this case is entitled to lifelong anonymity under UK law.
“Under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, it is a criminal offence to publish or share any information that could lead to the identification of a victim of rape or serious sexual offences, whether directly or indirectly.
“This includes photographs, names, family details, locations, workplaces, social media speculation, or any information that encourages others to identify her.
“Sharing false images, speculation and public commentary causes significant harm not only to the survivor herself, but also to innocent women and families wrongly drawn into public scrutiny. Survivors of sexual violence should not have to endure public investigation, gossip or online harassment after already surviving profound trauma.
“The victim in this case has shown immense courage and resilience in seeking justice. She now deserves privacy, dignity and the space to recover and rebuild her life.