Man charged with racially aggravated rape of woman

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced charges against a man in connection with a racially aggravated rape in Walsall.

John Ashby, 32, of no fixed abode has been charged with one count of rape and sexual assault in relation to the attack of the woman who was not known to him.
 
He has also been charged with intentional strangulation, racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and robbery in relation to the same victim.
 
Ben Samples, Head of the CPS West Midlands Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “We have decided to prosecute John Ashby with rape, sexual assault, intentional strangulation, racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and robbery.
 
“This follows an investigation by West Midlands Police which looked at the rape and assault of a woman in her 20s at a property in Walsall.
 
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
 
“John Ashby will appear at a court to be confirmed on 29 October 2025 for his first hearing.
 
“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
 
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”