UK man sexually assaults Sikh woman after mistaking her for Muslim, says 'wanted to have fun'
PTC News Desk: A 32-year-old man in the UK admitted that he sexually assaulted a Sikh woman in her home and subjecting her to religiously aggravated abuse after initially denying the charges during trial proceedings.
According to Mirror, John Ashby, who has no fixed address, changed his plea at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, admitting responsibility for the October 2025 attack.
The trial had started a day earlier, with Ashby initially denying the charges before reversing his stance in court. Prosecutors explained that the assault began after he followed the woman from a bus in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham.
Carrying a stick he had picked up from the ground, he trailed her to her home and forced his way inside. Prosecutor Phil Bradley KC told the jury that Ashby threatened and attacked the woman despite her resistance, hitting her with the stick and attempting to strangle her before dragging her into the bathroom.
The court heard that the victim, who did not know Ashby, was raped there. During the assault, he hurled anti-Muslim slurs at her, even though she told him she was Sikh. In a statement to police played in court, the woman said he switched off the lights and said he wanted to “have fun” while continuing the attack.
Prosecutors added that Ashby then forced her into a bedroom, ordered her to lie on the bed, and continued making degrading remarks. He also turned on hot water and poured it over her, making her say “hallelujah” during the ordeal.
The attack ended abruptly when Ashby appeared to be startled by a noise outside. He fled, taking the victim’s jewellery and mobile phone with him.
The woman quickly alerted authorities, and police arrived within minutes. Bodycam footage shown in court captured her in distress as officers responded.
In the following days, she identified Ashby in an identity parade. He had been arrested two days after the incident.
The hearing was briefly interrupted when a man from the public gallery approached the dock and shouted at Ashby. Ashby responded with abuse, prompting the judge to send the jury out and adjourn proceedings.
- With inputs from agencies
