Husband accused of drugging wife admits rape

A man accused of plotting with others to drug and rape his wife, has pleaded guilty to some of the offences he is charged with.

The husband, who is in his sixties but cannot be named, pleaded guilty at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to raping and sexually assaulting his wife, and sharing intimate photographs and videos of her without her consent between 2022 and 2025.

The defendant, from the Stockport area of Greater Manchester, cried in the dock before the hearing began.

However he spoke clearly and calmly as he entered his pleas of guilty to some offences - although he denies multiple other charges.

His identity cannot be reported to protect his wife, who is granted full anonymity under the law as the victim of sexual offences.

Thirteen other men have also been charged in the case, with 12 having pleaded not guilty to the charges they face.

A trial is scheduled to start on 1 September and is expected to last for 12 weeks.