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A suspected rapist accused of carrying out a sex attack on a Sikh woman in the Black Country has appeared in court.

Members of the Sikh community filled the public gallery as John Ashby appeared at Birmingham Crown Court.

The 32-year-old donned a grey tracksuit top and bottoms during the short hearing on Wednesday, November 26.

Ashby, who appeared in court via video link from HMP Birmingham, gave no indication of pleas to charges faced.

He spoke only to confirm his name to the court.

READ MORE: Thug poured boiling water over girlfriend and tried to sever her fingers in two-hour attack

Judge Andrew Smith KC granted a defence application that Ashby not be arraigned until a later date.

He set a provisional trial date of April 20, 2026.

The trial could last five days, th

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