Download Stockport Drug and Rape: The trial begins
BBC Journalist, Mat Trewern and BBC Radio Manchester Presenter, Michelle Dignan follow the trial, it’s been almost two months since the jury was first sworn in at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
On day one of the trial Barrister Lousie Oakley KC, who is leading the prosecution case, began the opening statements and we hear about another defendant who has changed their plea to guilty.
In summary: a husband, in his 60s, from Stockport in Greater Manchester has pleaded guilty to a total of 62 charges against his wife, including raping his wife and sharing intimate images of her without her consent. He will now not face a trial.
We are not reporting the husband's name to protect his wife’s legal right to lifetime anonymity
Originally, 13 other men were charged with serious sexual offences against the same victim. Four of those men have pleaded guilty to sexually abusing her. They will all be sentenced at a later date. The nine remaining defendants all deny any wrong-doing.
Reporter: Mat Trewern
Presenter: Michelle Dignan
Producer: Darren Milby
Executive Producer: Rebecca Parker
Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin
Published on Tuesday, 3rd November 2026.
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