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Husband who drugged and raped wife for 20 years gives witness statement at trial

Man pleads guilty to 60 offences; co-defendant also admits charges

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
A man who drugged and raped his wife without her knowledge for more than two decades has provided a witness statement at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. The husband, who cannot be named to protect his wife's anonymity, pleaded guilty last month to 60 offences, including rape and administering a substance with intent. He was also accused of inviting 13 other men to abuse her between 2018 and November 2025.

The trial began with the jury being sworn in early September, but has since been delayed for legal and practical reasons. On Monday, Judge Maurice Greene updated the jury, which comprises nine women and three men plus two female reserve jurors, about the case's progress.

The husband, from the Stockport area of Greater Manchester, had initially denied the charges before changing his plea. One of his co-defendants, 59-year-old Keith Fotheringham from Dundee, Scotland, has also pleaded guilty to several offences.

The court heard that the husband has now made a witness statement about "what he says happened", the BBC reported. Further details of the statement have not been disclosed.

The case is proceeding at Minshull Street Crown Court, with remaining charges against other co-defendants still pending.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • This case involves one of the most extended periods of marital rape and chemical control reported in UK criminal history.
  • The trial will test how the justice system handles victims who were unaware of long-term abuse.
  • Public confidence in domestic abuse protections may be affected by the proceedings and outcome.

Background

The abuse, which spanned more than 20 years, included the husband drugging his wife and raping her without her knowledge. He also invited other men to assault her from 2018 until November 2025. The case became public after the husband's arrest and his eventual admission of 60 offences at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Key Perspectives

The prosecution: Secured guilty pleas on 60 counts and is continuing to pursue charges against other men allegedly involved. The husband (defence): Provided a witness statement, though its contents are not yet fully known; his guilty plea indicates acknowledgment of his actions. Co-defendant Keith Fotheringham: Pleaded guilty to several offences, with his specific role yet to be fully detailed in court. The jury: Tasked with hearing evidence, including the husband's statement, and reaching verdicts on the remaining matters.

What to Watch

  • When the trial will resume after its September delay.
  • Further disclosure of the husband's witness statement.
  • Sentencing hearings once the jury returns verdicts.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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