U.K. man accused of drugging, sexually abusing wife with 12 other men goes on trial

September 1, 2026 / 10:24 AM EDT / CBS News

A husband who stands accused of raping and sexually abusing his wife is set to go on trial in England on Tuesday, along with a dozen other men who are alleged to have taken part in or helped facilitate the abuse.

The man, in his 60s and from the town of Stockport in England's northwest, is accused of conspiring with others to drug and rape his wife while she was unconscious, British police authorities previously said in June. The trial is being held in Manchester.

He cannot be named under U.K. law to protect the anonymity of his wife, the alleged victim.

The man is indicted on 48 charges, according to CBS News partner BBC News. He previously denied all charges, but later pled guilty to 15. Those charges include five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration and one count of sharing intimate photos or film, according to Greater Manchester police officials.

He continues to deny 11 counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, seven counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault, four counts of conspiracy to rape…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/healthwatch/