A man in his 60s pleaded guilty to 60 charges on Monday, including 21 counts of rape, 15 counts of assault by penetration, and 11 counts of sexual assault, after repeatedly drugging his wife over a 20-year period from 2004 to 2025.
The defendant, who cannot be named to protect his wife’s anonymity, entered his guilty pleas at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court during a hearing that lasted 18 minutes. He had previously admitted 15 charges in an earlier hearing. The offences occurred at the family home in Stockport, Greater Manchester, until his arrest in October 2025.
During the hearing, the man wore a dark grey suit, blue shirt, and dark blue tie and was allowed to sit down as he answered the remaining charges. He broke down in tears multiple times while entering his pleas. His wife was present in the public gallery, accompanied by two of their sons. At one point, she was seen leaning forward with her head in her hands, appearing to wipe her eyes.
Charges Admitted
The defendant admitted:
- 21 counts of rape
- 15 counts of assault by penetration
- 11 counts of sexual assault
- 1 count of sharing intimate images without consent
- 1 count of administering a substance to stupefy or overpower his wife
The substance was administered with the intent to enable sexual activity, according to prosecutors. The offences spanned from November 2004 to October 2025.
Co-Defendants and Ongoing Cases
A total of 12 other men, aged 29 to 74, are accused of offences against the same victim. These men include:
- An ambulance paramedic once pictured meeting Prince Harry during a royal visit
- A former nightclub DJ
- A football club chief executive
- A university technician
All 12 co-defendants have denied a range of charges, including rape, conspiracy to rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent. One defendant has pleaded guilty to some charges in a separate case.
The trial for the 12 co-defendants is scheduled to take place at the same court and is expected to last several months.
Police Response
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that specialist support continues to be provided to the victim. Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson stated: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.”
The case highlights the prolonged nature of the abuse and the systemic failures that allowed it to continue over decades. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with the defendant’s sentencing hearing yet to be scheduled.