london —
A British man has admitted drugging and raping his wife without her permission over 20 years.
The man pleaded guilty Monday in a court in Manchester, northern England, to dozens of charges including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and administering drugs with intent.
The man is in his 60s, and his name cannot be published to protect his wife’s anonymity.
He initially denied all charges, but this summer he pleaded guilty to five counts of rape, six counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual battery and one count of sharing intimate images without his wife’s consent. He has now pleaded guilty to a total of 60 crimes.
On Monday, the man’s wife sat in court as the man made his argument.
Twelve other men, aged between 28 and 74, from across the UK are also accused of sex offenses against the same woman. The men deny all charges and will stand trial in Manchester.
Prosecutors are expected to begin filing charges this week.
In a statement from Greater Manchester Police, Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said on Monday that the force’s focus “remains on supporting the victims of this horrific act of abuse through a very complex investigation”, adding that they were still receiving specialist support.
