Stockport husband admits 60 sex offences against wife
A man in his 60s has pleaded guilty to 60 offences, including drugging and raping his wife over more than 20 years; 12 other men deny related charges.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
At Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, a man in his 60s has pleaded guilty to 60 offences against his wife, including multiple counts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and drugging her over a period of more than 20 years. The abuse took place in the home they shared in the Stockport area of Greater Manchester, from 2004 until 2025.
The man cannot be named to protect his wife's identity, as she is a victim of sexual offences. She was present in the public gallery, supported by her family, as her husband entered his pleas. The hearing lasted around 20 minutes. At one point, the man became emotional and was allowed to sit down by the judge.
His wife wiped a tear from her eye during the proceedings. The court heard that he also admitted sharing intimate images of his wife without her consent.
Twelve other men deny serious sexual offences against the same woman. They are due to stand trial, with the trial expected to last until December. A 13th man has already pleaded guilty to an offence against her. The husband will be sentenced at a later date.
Greater Manchester Police said their focus remains on the victim and she is receiving specialist support.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One | Channel 4 | ITV |
|---|---|---|---|
| A man pleaded guilty to 60 offences against his wife. | |||
| The man drugged his wife for more than 20 years for sexual offences. | · | ||
| The offences included rape, sexual assault, attempted rape, and sharing intimate images. | · | ||
| The wife was present in court and remained composed. | · | ||
| The abuse lasted from 2004 until his arrest in 2025. | · | · | |
| Twelve other men denied serious sexual offences against the same woman. | · | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
BBC ONE West concentrated on the courtroom atmosphere and the legal process, highlighting the wife's composed demeanour and the anonymity protections. The report also stressed that a trial for 12 other men is still to come, and noted a 13th man had already pleaded guilty.
- “She was very composed throughout the whole hearing”
- “He her husband became emotional and was asked to sit down at one point”
- “He has also admitted drugging his wife over more than 20 years, starting in 2004 up to 2025 for the purpose of sexual offending against her.”
ITV1 emphasised the shocking and disturbing nature of the case, with graphic details such as 21 counts of rape and sharing intimate images. The coverage dwelt on the emotional reactions in court, describing the wife wiping a tear and the husband breaking down. It also noted the trial for other defendants is expected to last until December.
- “It is a case that is frankly so horrible and bizarre it makes you feel sick just to hear about it.”
- “Prosecutors say it was a campaign of abuse that lasted for more than 20 years, from 2004 until 2025 when he was arrested.”
- “He has now admitted 60 offences, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and druging his wife.”
Channel 4 focused on the legal details, including the specific charge of administering a substance and the ages of the other defendants. The report highlighted the wife's attendance in court and the police statement confirming support for the victim. The tone was factual and centred on the judicial process.
- “the woman who for two decades was being drugged and raped by her husband with her knowing nothing about it”
- “It's because she has a legal right to anonymity with the sexual nature of these crimes that we can't identify her husband.”
- “12 other men are due to stand trial their ages the youngest in his early 30s the oldest in his 70s they deny serious sexual offences against the same woman”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.