Man admits drugging and raping wife over 20-year period

A man accused of drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge over a 20-year period has admitted 60 offences against her.

The husband, who cannot be named to protect his wife's legal right to anonymity, had already admitted some counts at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, including rape.

The wife watched proceedings from the public gallery supported by members of her family.

The husband, in his sixties, became visibly emotional as he repeated the word guilty to dozens of charges - including multiple counts of rape, assault by penetration and administering a substance with intent - and at one point was invited to sit down in the dock by the judge.

Twelve other men deny multiple serious sexual offences against the same woman.

The husband, from the Stockport area of Greater Manchester, will be sentenced for the counts he has admitted at the conclusion of the trial.

A 13th man previously admitted sexual offences against the woman.

The husband's offending against his wife, who he was married to for decades, took place over a period going back to 2004, while the accusations involving the other men range from September 2018 to November 2025.

Graham Brougham, 74, from Northwich, Cheshire

Daniel Rayner, 42, from, Whitstable, Kent

David Graves, 59, from, Ilkeston, Derbyshire

The trial is due to continue in the coming weeks.