Pensioner admits raping woman who was drugged by her husband for over 20 years

A 74-year-old man has admitted raping a woman who was drugged by her husband for more than 20 years.

Graham Brougham, a pensioner 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 admitted an offence of rape back in 2024 when he entered the dock at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

His victim sat in the public gallery and while holding hands with a relative as they both looked intently across the courtroom at the defendant as he entered his changed plea.

Judge Maurice Greene renewed Brougham’s bail until a sentencing date to be fixed but told him: “You 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.

The husband pleaded guilty last month to multiple sexual offences against his wife including rape and administering a substance with intent.

He remains in custody and is due to be sentenced at a later date.

The man in his 60s, from Stockport, cannot be identified to protect the anonymity of his wife.

Speaking after the husband’s guilty plea, Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.

“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.”

Jurors have been sworn in to hear the trial of the remaining 10 defendants and are now due to return to court on 2 November when the prosecution is expected to open its case.

On trial are David Graves, 60, of Ilkeston, Derbyshire; Daniel Rayner, 42, of Whitstable, Kent; Karl Lindsay, 56, of Taunton, Somerset; Philip Wild, 59, of Stockport; Mohammed Sabir, 28, of Stockport; Jonathan Kirk, 43, of Stockport; Jordan Wallace, 31, of Wythenshawe, Manchester; Alan Keelan, 42, of Wythenshawe; Robert Stewart, 70, of Stockport, and Richard Townsend, 38, of Heywood, Greater Manchester.