Man denies drugging wife for sexual abuse in case involving 12 co-defendants
The husband, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court via prison video link
A man aged in his 60s has appeared in court accused of drugging his wife for himself and other men to sexually abuse.
The husband, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court via prison videolink on Friday where he denied various offences including rape, conspiracy to rape and administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower.
The man, from Greater Manchester, also pleaded not guilty to sharing intimate photographs or film of his wife.
His alleged offences are said to have spanned a 20-year period.
Twelve male co-defendants, who also cannot be identified for legal reasons, attended court either by prison videolink or in person.
One man from Scotland, aged in his 50s, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to rape, two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual assault by penetration, and one count of conspiracy to administer a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower.
Six of the defendants denied various offences including rape, sexual assault, conspiracy to rape and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower.
Five men did not enter pleas to similar allegations.
A further preliminary hearing will take place on March 20 ahead of a trial provisionally scheduled for September 1.