A Stockport husband has admitted 60 offences against his wife after pleading guilty to the remaining charges in a case involving more than two decades of sexual abuse. The man, who cannot legally be identified because doing so could reveal his wife's identity, remains in custody while related proceedings continue.

Stockport husband guilty plea reaches 60 offences

The man, who is in his 60s and from the Stockport area of Greater Manchester, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on September 14, 2026. He pleaded guilty to 45 charges after previously admitting 15 offences, bringing the total number of admitted offences to 60.

The admitted offences span the period from 2004 to 2025. They include 21 counts of rape, 15 counts of assault by penetration, 11 counts of sexual assault and an offence involving the sharing of intimate images without consent. He also admitted administering a substance with the intention of stupefying his wife.

His wife, who has lifelong legal anonymity as a victim of sexual offences, was present in the public gallery with family members while the pleas were entered.

Wife drugging abuse spanned more than 20 years

Prosecutors say the woman was repeatedly sexually assaulted in her own home while unconscious after being drugged by her husband. The admitted offending dates back more than two decades, making the case a significant investigation into prolonged drug-facilitated sexual abuse.

The husband's identity continues to be withheld because identifying him could indirectly identify his wife. Reporting restrictions and victim anonymity are especially important in sexual offence cases, and media organisations must avoid publishing details that could lead to her identification.

The case also involves the non-consensual sharing of intimate photographs or recordings. Court proceedings established that this formed part of the offences already admitted by the defendant.

Manchester court trial continues for co-defendants

Twelve other men, aged between 28 and 74, face allegations involving the same woman between 2018 and 2025. They have denied the offences against them, which include serious sexual allegations, and their case continues at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Because those charges remain contested, the co-defendants must be treated as innocent unless and until proven guilty. A further man had previously entered guilty pleas in connection with the wider case.

The husband will remain in custody and is expected to be sentenced after the proceedings involving the other defendants have concluded.

Greater Manchester Police continues victim support

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said officers remain focused on supporting the woman through what the force described as a highly complex investigation. Specialist assistance continues to be provided to her as the court proceedings progress.

Police have also encouraged anyone worried that they may have experienced drug-facilitated sexual abuse to seek help even if they do not have complete memories or physical proof of what occurred. Investigators stressed that uncertainty should not prevent someone from reporting a concern.

The guilty pleas resolve the criminal charges against the husband without the need for those allegations to be decided by a jury. However, the wider court case is continuing, and sentencing will follow once the remaining proceedings are complete.