Three Men Deny Involvement in Plot to Sexually Assault Drugged Wife
Three men have pleaded not guilty to charges related to a disturbing plot to rape and sexually assault another man's wife after she was allegedly drugged by her husband. The case, which involves multiple defendants and dates back to 2004, is being heard at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
Details of the Allegations and Defendants
A man in his 60s, from the Stockport area, has denied 48 offences dating back to 2004. He is accused of drugging his wife to rape and sexually assault her over more than two decades, starting in the early 2000s. Between 2023 and his arrest last year, he allegedly invited other men to sexually assault and rape his wife while she was unconscious. This defendant appeared via video link from Forest Bank prison and faces charges along with 12 other men, aged between 28 and 73, who also cannot be identified for legal reasons.
The husband is charged with 23 counts relating to offences committed on his own, including multiple incident counts, eight conspiracy offences, and 17 attacks allegedly committed with other men. All defendants are charged with various conspiracy offences, and all but two are alleged to have committed contact sexual offences.
Pleas and Trial Arrangements
In recent proceedings, a man in his 50s from Somerset pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower to allow sexual activity. Another man in his 50s, from the Stockport area, denied conspiracy to assault by penetration, sexual assault, and assault by penetration, but has yet to enter pleas to charges of conspiracy to rape and rape. A man in his 40s, also from Stockport, denied conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and rape.
One man in his 50s previously pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, conspiracy to administer a substance, and assault by penetration, and was not required to attend court. Two defendants are yet to enter pleas, while the others all deny the charges.
Judge Maurice Greene has remanded eight of the men in custody, with five on conditional bail. A 12-week trial is scheduled to start on 1 September this year, highlighting the severity and complexity of this case.
