Graham Brougham, 74, of Northwich, Cheshire, admitted a charge of rape in 2024 at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday (October 15). The victim, who was drugged by her husband for more than 20 years, watched from the public gallery as Brougham changed his plea.
Bail renewed ahead of sentencing
Judge Maurice Greene renewed Brougham's bail until a sentencing date is fixed, but warned 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 and admitted a single count of assault by penetration. He was bailed ahead of sentencing.
Husband pleads guilty
The woman's husband, a man in his 60s from Stockport, pleaded guilty last month to multiple sexual offences against his wife, including rape and administering a substance with intent. He remains in custody and will be sentenced at a later date. He cannot be identified to protect his wife's anonymity.
Trial of remaining defendants
Jurors have been sworn in for the trial of the remaining 10 defendants, who all deny various allegations involving sexual offending against the same woman. They are due to return to court on November 2, when the prosecution is expected to open its case.
The defendants 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.
