Warnings have been issued after a social media image claiming to be a survivor of a horrific religiously-aggravated rape was shared online. Homeless John Ashby is starting a life sentence after being locked up for a minimum of 14 years for his terrifying sex attack in Walsall.
The 32-year-old followed a Sikh woman off a bus and to her home before 'barging' into the property and raping her in the bathroom. He had mistaken her for a Muslim woman and hurled racist abuse at her during the ordeal, which lasted at least 24 minutes.
Ashby was jailed for life on Friday (April 24) after confessing to his crimes partway through his trial at Birmingham Crown Court. The victim, who is in her 20s, bravely came to court to face her attacker as he was locked up.
Fake Image Circulated Online
It has since emerged that an image claiming to be the victim has been shared online. All victims of sexual offences receive lifelong anonymity. Sikh Women's Aid - which supported the victim following the rape - has now called on the public to 'respect her anonymity'.
They 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."
Legal Protection for Victims
"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. We strongly urge everyone to immediately stop sharing any images, names or identifying details linked to this case. Delete posts, challenge misinformation and report harmful content where you see it. Respect her anonymity. Respect the law. Respect her right to heal."
Details of the Attack
Ashby, formerly of Stockland Green, Birmingham, admitted rape, intentional strangulation, robbery of jewellery and a mobile phone, and religiously aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm on October 25 last year. The court heard how he branded his victim a 'Muslim b****', telling her he was there to 'have fun' and wanted to 'give her some British c***' after entering her home. He also demanded she say 'hallelujah' as he poured hot water over her and told her to 'repeat his mantra' that 'he was the master and she was a b****'.
