Stockport Drug and Rape: The trial begins

BBC Journalist, Mat Trewern and BBC Radio Manchester Presenter, Michelle Dignan follow the trial, it’s been almost two months since the jury was first sworn in at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

On day one of the trial Barrister Lousie Oakley KC, who is leading the prosecution case, began the opening statements and we hear about another defendant who has changed their plea to guilty.

In summary: a husband, in his 60s, from Stockport in Greater Manchester has pleaded guilty to a total of 62 charges against his wife, including raping his wife and sharing intimate images of her without her consent. He will now not face a trial.

We are not reporting the husband's name to protect his wife’s legal right to lifetime anonymity

Originally 13 other men were charged with serious sexual offences against the same victim. Four of those men have pleaded guilty to sexually abusing her. Keith Fotheringham, who’s 59 and from Dundee in Scotland - admitted his guilt earlier this year. Just ahead of the trial starting, Karl Lindsey, 56, from Somerset admitted two offences relating to the drugging and raping of the victim by her husband and other men. Previously 38 year old Sean Peers from Stockport changed his plea, now pleading guilty to assault by penetration and 74 year old Graham Brougham, from Northwich in Cheshire has changed his plea, pleading guilty to rape. They will all be sentenced at a later date.

The nine remaining defendants all deny any wrong-doing.

Reporter: Mat Trewern
Presenter: Michelle Dignan
Producer: Darren Milby
Executive Producer: Rebecca Parker
Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin