Thirteen men accused of conspiring with a husband to drug and rape his unconscious wife can now be identified after reporting restrictions were lifted ahead of a major trial due to begin in Manchester later this year. The accused men, aged between 28 and 73, include an ambulance paramedic once pictured meeting Prince Harry during a royal visit, a former nightclub DJ, a football club chief executive, and a university technician.
Details of the Accused
The husband, who is in his 60s and from Stockport, Greater Manchester, cannot be named to protect his wife's identity. He has admitted a number of sexual offences against her but denies drugging her for sex between 2004 and 2025. He has also pleaded not guilty to conspiring with others to drug and rape his wife between 2018 and 2025.
Among the co-defendants, Keith Fotheringham, 59, of Dundee, Scotland, has admitted assault by penetration, conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower. He entered his guilty pleas in February and will be sentenced at a later date.
Defendants Denying Charges
Three other defendants – David Graves, 59, of Ilkeston; Daniel Rayner, 42, of Whitstable; and Karl Lindsay, 55, of Taunton – are due to stand trial on September 1. Each denies conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.
The remaining defendants include: Graham Brougham, 73, of Northwich, who denies rape, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to assault by penetration; Philip Wild, 58, of Stockport, who denies attempted rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to assault by penetration; Mohammed Sabir, 28, of Stockport, who denies three counts of rape, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to assault by penetration; Jonathan Kirk, 43, of Stockport, who denies rape, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to assault by penetration; Sean Peers, 37, of Stockport, who denies assault by penetration and conspiracy to assault by penetration; Jordan Wallace, 31, of Wythenshawe, Manchester, who denies rape, attempted rape, and conspiracy to rape; Alan Keelan, 42, of Wythenshawe, and Robert Stewart, 70, of Stockport, who both deny two counts of rape and conspiracy to rape; and Richard Townsend, 37, of Heywood, Greater Manchester, who denies assault by penetration and conspiracy to assault by penetration.
Husband's Pleas
The husband appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday, where he changed some of his pleas after previously denying all 48 counts on the indictment involving his wife. He pleaded guilty to five counts of rape, six counts of assault by penetration, and three counts of sexual assault committed on various dates between 2022 and 2025. He also admitted sharing intimate photographs or film of his wife without her consent for the purpose of sexual gratification.
However, 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, three counts of conspiracy to assault by penetration, one count of conspiracy to administer a substance with intent, and one count of administering a substance with intent.
Upcoming Proceedings
A further preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on August 24, one week before the 12-week trial begins on September 1.
