Harrowing body-worn footage showed the woman,who had been due to step into the witness box to relive her ordeal,being comforted by a police officer.
Prosecutors told the court there could be no doubt that Ashby was the man who attacked the woman,citing DNA evidence,fingerprints found on a vape and an identity parade.
CCTV footage also placed Ashby near the scene,where he picked up the two-foot long stick.
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.’
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