British man admits drugging, raping wife for more than 20 years; pleads guilty to 60 charges

A British man accused of secretly drugging and raping his wife over more than two decades has pleaded guilty to 60 offences against her at a Manchester court, BBC reported.The husband, who is in his sixties, admitted dozens of charges at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, including multiple counts of rape, assault by penetration and administering a substance with intent.He had previously admitted some of the offences. During the latest hearing, he became emotional as he repeatedly entered guilty pleas to the charges, with the judge at one point inviting him to sit down in the dock.His wife, who is legally entitled to anonymity, was in the public gallery with members of her family as the proceedings took place.The man's alleged offending against his wife dates back to 2004 and took place during their decades-long marriage. He is from Stockport, Greater Manchester, and will be sentenced for the offences he has admitted at the end of the trial.A further 12 men are accused of serious sexual offences against the same woman. They deny the charges.The allegations against the other defendants cover a period from September 2018 to November 2025.A 13th man had previously admitted sexual offences against the woman.The 12 men currently facing trial are:Philip Wild, 58, StockportSean Peers, 38, StockportJordan Wallace, 31, ManchesterAlan Keelan, 42, ManchesterJonathan Kirk, 43, StockportRobert Stewart, 70, StockportMohammed Sabir, 28, no fixed abodeGraham Brougham, 74, Northwich, CheshireRichard Townsend, 37, RochdaleKarl Lindsay, 55, Taunton, SomersetDaniel Rayner, 42, Whitstable, KentDavid Graves, 59, Ilkeston, DerbyshireThe trial is expected to continue over the coming weeks.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.