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A man has been charged in connection with a racially aggravated rape in Walsall.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said John Ashby, a white British man of no fixed abode, has been charged with rape and sexual assault in relation to the attack on a woman he did not know.
Ashby, 32, has also been charged with intentional strangulation, racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery in relation to the same victim.
Ben Samples, head of the CPS West Midlands rape and serious sexual crime unit, said: “We have decided to charge John Ashby with rape, sexual assault, deliberate strangulation, racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery.
“This follows an investigation by West Midlands Police into the rape and assault of a 20-year-old woman at a property in Walsall.
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is enough evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.”
He said: “We remind all parties concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is important that no reporting, comment or information should be shared online that could in any way adversely affect these proceedings.”
The CPS said Ashby is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
West Midlands Police previously said they were called to the Park Hall area of Walsall just after 7.15pm on Saturday following reports of a woman being disturbed in the street.
The Sikh Federation UK said on Monday that it was believed the victim was a Sikh student.
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby of Walsall Police said: “We know how much fear and anxiety this attack has caused in our communities.
“We continue to speak to people in the community to hear and understand their concerns.
“Officers visited faith establishments in Walsall and spoke to local leaders about women’s safety and what measures men can take to make women feel more comfortable.
“We need to continue to have those conversations and how we work on the safety of women in the community.”
Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer, of West Midlands Police’s public protection unit, said: “The woman who was attacked has been informed of the charging decision this evening.
“They are continuing to be supported by our specially trained officers.”