Stockport Man Faces 48 Charges in Alleged Conspiracy to Rape Unconscious Wife

Published 20 February 2026

Highlights

• A man from Stockport, Greater Manchester, is charged with 48 counts, including conspiracy to rape and sexual assault.
• The case involves 12 other men, aged 28 to 73, with allegations dating back to the early 2000s.
• Seven defendants, including the husband, pleaded not guilty; one man pleaded guilty to several charges.
• The trial is set for 1 September at Manchester Minshull Crown Court, expected to last 12 weeks.
• The public gallery was filled with family members of both the alleged victim and defendants.

3. Rewritten Article

Stockport Man Faces 48 Charges in Alleged Conspiracy to Rape Unconscious Wife

A man from Stockport, Greater Manchester, has been charged with a series of serious offenses, including conspiracy to rape and sexual assault, in a case that has shocked the local community. The charges, totaling 48 counts, involve allegations of drugging and sexually abusing his unconscious wife over a period spanning two decades.

The accused, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, appeared at Manchester Minshull Crown Court alongside 12 other men, aged between 28 and 73. The charges against them include conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent to commit a sexual offense. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity and duration of the alleged crimes.

During the court proceedings, seven of the defendants, including the husband, pleaded not guilty to all charges. In contrast, one man from Dundee admitted guilt to charges of conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to administer a substance with intent, and sexual assault by penetration. This individual is awaiting sentencing at a later date.

The courtroom was filled with relatives of both the alleged victim and the defendants, highlighting the personal impact of the case. Five defendants were present in the dock, while eight, including the husband, appeared via video link from prison, where they are being held on remand.

The trial is scheduled to commence on 1 September and is expected to last approximately 12 weeks. A further hearing is set for March to address outstanding procedural matters.

4. Scenario Analysis

As the trial date approaches, the legal proceedings are likely to attract further public and media scrutiny, given the gravity of the charges and the number of individuals involved. The case could potentially set a precedent in how the criminal justice system handles allegations of long-term abuse involving multiple perpetrators.

Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this trial could influence future cases involving conspiracy to commit sexual offenses, particularly those involving drugging allegations. The trial's progression will be closely monitored, with potential implications for both the accused and the broader community's understanding of justice in such complex cases.

A man from Stockport, Greater Manchester, has been charged with a series of serious offenses, including conspiracy to rape and sexual assault, in a case that has shocked the local community. The charges, totaling 48 counts, involve allegations of drugging and sexually abusing his unconscious wife over a period spanning two decades.

The accused, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, appeared at Manchester Minshull Crown Court alongside 12 other men, aged between 28 and 73. The charges against them include conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent to commit a sexual offense. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity and duration of the alleged crimes.

During the court proceedings, seven of the defendants, including the husband, pleaded not guilty to all charges. In contrast, one man from Dundee admitted guilt to charges of conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to administer a substance with intent, and sexual assault by penetration. This individual is awaiting sentencing at a later date.

The courtroom was filled with relatives of both the alleged victim and the defendants, highlighting the personal impact of the case. Five defendants were present in the dock, while eight, including the husband, appeared via video link from prison, where they are being held on remand.

The trial is scheduled to commence on 1 September and is expected to last approximately 12 weeks. A further hearing is set for March to address outstanding procedural matters.

What this might mean

As the trial date approaches, the legal proceedings are likely to attract further public and media scrutiny, given the gravity of the charges and the number of individuals involved. The case could potentially set a precedent in how the criminal justice system handles allegations of long-term abuse involving multiple perpetrators.

Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this trial could influence future cases involving conspiracy to commit sexual offenses, particularly those involving drugging allegations. The trial's progression will be closely monitored, with potential implications for both the accused and the broader community's understanding of justice in such complex cases.