A man in his 60s from Stockport has pleaded guilty to a total of 60 criminal charges relating to long‑running sexual offences against his wife, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed.
Case update at Manchester crown court
On 14 September the defendant appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges, bringing the overall number of admitted offences to 60. The man cannot be identified to protect the lifelong anonymity of the victim.
Earlier pleas in the case included five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration and one count of sharing intimate photos or film. The fresh admissions on 14 September comprised additional counts including:
- 16 counts of rape
- 9 counts of assault by penetration
- 7 counts of sexual assault
- 4 counts of attempted rape
GMP described the offences as part of a “horrific campaign of abuse” lasting more than two decades. Police say the campaign involved drugging and raping the victim over an extended period.
“Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation,”
The comment above was made by GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, who said specialist support is being provided to the victim throughout the investigation. He also urged people affected by drug‑facilitated sexual abuse to come forward, stressing that victims do not need proof or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
Support and reporting advice from police
GMP reiterated that anyone reporting sexual abuse will be supported by trained officers and that the immediate safety and wellbeing of the victim is the priority. The force has emphasised that reports can be made even if someone is unsure of details or lacks a full account of events.
The force statement underlined that people can share “as much or as little as they feel able” and that they will still receive specialist help. That reflects a wider push by authorities to lower barriers to reporting, particularly in cases involving drug‑facilitated sexual offences where memories may be incomplete.
Local impact and wider implications
The case is likely to cause significant concern across Stockport. Long‑running domestic and sexual abuse investigations place strain on victims, families and the local services that support them. Specialist teams within police forces and partner agencies are often required to provide extended care and to manage complex evidential matters.
While the criminal justice process continues, the immediate priorities announced by GMP are clear: the safety of the victim and ensuring they receive appropriate, specialist support. The force’s public guidance also aims to reassure others who may be affected by similar crimes that they will be listened to and helped.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Court | Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court |
| Date of hearing | 14 September |
| Total charges pleaded guilty | 60 |
| Defendant | Man in his 60s from Stockport (name withheld) |
Anyone in Stockport who believes they may have been affected by drug‑facilitated sexual abuse is being urged to contact GMP or local support services. The force reiterated that people do not need certainty or full recollection to report an offence and that all reports will be treated seriously.
This remains an active and complex investigation. Further court hearings and case developments are expected as prosecutors prepare for the next stages of the criminal process.
The scale and duration of the offending will be unsettling for many. Local agencies and campaigners will now be watching closely to see how support for the victim is sustained and how the wider community is reassured as the case progresses through the courts.
