Manchester trial begins for man accused of drugging and abusing wife for 20 years

A trial has commenced at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, England, involving a man in his 60s accused of drugging and sexually abusing his wife for over two decades. The defendant, a resident of Stockport, faces 48 charges dating back to 2004. While he has denied 33 of the charges, he has pleaded guilty to 15 counts, including five counts of rape, six counts of assault by penetration, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of sharing intimate images without consent.

Twelve other men, aged 28 to 73, are standing trial alongside him, accused of participating in or facilitating the abuse. Prosecutors allege that some of these men were invited to the couple’s home in Stockport to commit the crimes. Among the co-defendants are a former football club chief executive and a paramedic. All 12 co-defendants deny the charges.

A 13th man, Keith Fotheringham, 59, from Dundee, Scotland, has already pleaded guilty to several charges, including conspiracy to rape and assault by penetration, and is awaiting sentencing.