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Trial Begins for Man Accused of Raping Sikh Woman

4/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

John Ashby, 32, of Walsall, U.K., is on trial for raping a Sikh woman after following her home from work on October 25, 2025.
Prosecutors say he believed she was Muslim and verbally abused her.
DNA evidence linked Ashby to the crime.
The woman identified him in an identification parade.
The trial continues focusing on consent.

History

Historical Context

The 1991 case R v. R marked a pivotal moment in U.K. law by abolishing the marital rape exemption, affirming that consent must be freely given and can be revoked. This ruling by the House of Lords reflected evolving societal attitudes towards women's rights and sexual violence, influencing subsequent legal definitions of consent and shaping ongoing discussions about sexual assault in contemporary society.

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Story summary

John Ashby, 32, of Walsall, U.K., is on trial for raping a Sikh woman after following her home from work on October 25, 2025.
Prosecutors say he believed she was Muslim and verbally abused her.
DNA evidence linked Ashby to the crime.
The woman identified him in an identification parade.
The trial continues focusing on consent.

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