Husband Pleads Guilty to 5 Rapes as 12 Co-Defendants Face September Trial
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 26
Husband Pleads Guilty to 5 Rapes as 12 Co-Defendants Face September Trial
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 26
Summary
Five rape counts, six assaults by penetration and three sexual assaults were admitted by the husband, who had previously denied all 48 charges involving his wife.
The man, in his 60s from Stockport, still denies 29 other counts, including conspiring between 2018 and 2025 to drug and rape his wife and administering a substance with intent.
Twelve other men aged 28 to 73 are due to stand trial with him at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court in September over allegations they abused the woman or helped supply substances to render her unconscious.
Keith Fotheringham, 59, from Dundee separately pleaded guilty to all charges he faced, including conspiracy to rape and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.
Reporting restrictions were lifted to name the co-accused, but the husband remains unidentified to protect his wife's anonymity; a further hearing is set for 24 August before the scheduled 12-week trial.