Man admits raping woman drugged by her husband for over 20 years

A pensioner has admitted raping a woman who was drugged by her husband for more than 20 years.

Graham Brougham, 74, of Northwich, Cheshire, was due to go on trial with 10 other men who all deny various allegations involving sexual offending against the same woman.

On Thursday, Brougham entered the dock at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and admitted a charge of rape in 2024.

A sentencing date is yet to be confirmed, but Brougham was told by the judge that he "should be under no illusion, the sentence will be custody and a long time".

Last week another co-defendant, Sean Peers, 38, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, changed his plea as he admitted a single count of assault by penetration and was bailed ahead of sentencing.

Another man, Keith Fotheringham, 59, from Dundee, previously pleaded guilty to sexual offences relating to the same woman.

The victim's husband pleaded guilty last month to multiple sexual offences against his wife, including rape and administering a substance with intent. He can't be named for legal reasons.

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The trial of the 10 other men, aged between 28 and 70, is due to begin on 2 November. They are:

• David Graves, 60, from Ilkeston, Derbyshire

• Daniel Rayner, 42, from Whitstable, Kent

• Karl Lindsay, 56, from Taunton, Somerset

• Philip Wild, 59, from Stockport

• Mohammed Sabir, 28, from Stockport

• Jonathan Kirk, 43, from Stockport

• Jordan Wallace, 31, from Wythenshawe, Manchester

• Alan Keelan, 42, from Wythenshawe

• Robert Stewart, 70, from Stockport

• Richard Townsend, 38, from Heywood, Greater Manchester

(c) Sky News 2026: Man admits raping woman drugged by her husband for over 20 years