A sex attacker who raped a Sikh woman in a religiously aggravated attack has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years.
A trial at Birmingham Crown Court heard John Ashby shouted racist and anti-Muslim abuse as he beat the victim with a stick after following her off a bus and into her home.
Jurors were told the 32-year-old raped the woman, who was a stranger to him, while telling her he was a “British master”.
Ashby, of no fixed address, changed his pleas on the second day of his trial to admit charges of rape, robbery, intentional strangulation and religiously aggravated assault.
Prosecutor Phil Bradley KC told the trial Ashby followed the woman on foot and entered her property in West Midlands, in October last year.
Mr Bradley told jurors that despite her screams, Ashby barged his way into her bathroom, tried to strangle her and “racially and religiously abused her” throughout her ordeal.
Passing sentence on Friday, High Court judge Mr Justice Pepperall told Ashby that remarks made during the offending “reveal you as a deeply unpleasant racist and Islamophobe”.
The judge added: “You raped this woman after you forced your way uninvited into her home.
“You held her against her will as you sexually and physically assaulted her for at least 24 minutes.”
After sentence was passed, the judge addressed the victim and her partner, who were sitting in the public gallery, telling them: “I have nothing but admiration for your bravery. I hope that with time, love and support you are able to rebuild your lives.”
During the rape, the court heard that Ashby, who later tested positive for cocaine use, referred to his private parts as being white and British.
The sentencing hearing was told Ashby has 10 previous convictions for 18 offences and a history of drug abuse-related mental illness.
At the time of the rape he was homeless, having been discharged from psychiatric care three days earlier without a support package after it was decided he was no longer psychotic.
In a statement issued after the sentencing, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Ashby was linked to the attack by DNA evidence and fingerprints found at the scene.
He was also picked out by the victim at an identity parade.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Rav Dhillon, from the CPS, said: “This was a deeply disturbing attack driven by religious hatred, carried out against an innocent woman in her own home – where she had every right to be and feel safe.
“John Ashby targeted a complete stranger, subjected her to prolonged violence and religiously motivated abuse, and left her traumatised.
“The CPS worked closely with West Midlands Police to present a robust case based on CCTV footage, DNA evidence and witness testimony.
“The fact Ashby initially denied these charges before changing his plea part-way through the trial reflects the strength of the evidence against him.
“We invited the court to treat the religious hostility shown throughout this offending as an aggravating feature. No-one should be subjected to violence and hatred because of their background – perceived or otherwise.
“Our thoughts remain with the victim, who showed remarkable courage, and we hope today’s sentencing brings her some measure of justice.”
