London, Oct 29 (PTI) A man arrested in connection with a racially aggravated sexual assault on an Indian-origin woman in Walsall has been formally charged with rape. The accused, John Ashby, a 32-year-old white British man from Stockland Green, made an appearance before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The assault involved a woman in her 20s, identified locally as a Sikh student, who was attacked in the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday night. In addition to the rape charge, Ashby faces charges of sexual assault, strangulation, racially aggravated actual bodily harm, and robbery, according to the West Midlands Police.
Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer from the Public Protection Unit is leading the investigation. He confirmed that the victim has been informed of Ashby's charging and that she continues to receive support from specially-trained officers.
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby of Walsall Police emphasized the ongoing efforts to reassure the shaken community. "We acknowledge the fear and concern this incident has raised," Dolby stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining conversations with the community to address women's safety concerns.
Following the attack, the peaceful Park Hall neighborhood expressed its shock. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the incident a "horrific crime" and assured that efforts are underway to support those affected, especially the local Sikh community.
The police released CCTV footage of the suspect after being alerted to the situation on Saturday night, citing "concerns for the welfare of a woman in distress in the street." This led to Ashby's arrest on Monday.
In related news, the region has seen another racially aggravated sexual assault involving a British Sikh woman in nearby Oldbury last month. The West Midlands Police are yet to apprehend anyone for that ongoing investigation. Preet Kaur Gill, British Sikh Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, stated, "The repeated pattern of violence against women in our region, compounded by hate and racial overtones, is deeply disturbing."
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