Three more men deny abusing woman 'drugged by husband'

Three further men have denied conspiring to sexually abuse an unconscious woman who was allegedly drugged by her husband for more than 20 years.

Nine men are alleged to have assaulted the woman after being invited to her home in Stockport, Greater Manchester, by her husband between 2023 and 2025 - while two others were involved in other ways.

None of the 13 defendants, appearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, can be named at this stage for legal reasons.

The husband, who denies a total of 48 counts including rape, is also alleged to committed lone sexual offences against his unconscious wife before involving the other men, on dates going back to 2004.

Today three of the defendants, who had not previously been asked to enter pleas, were arraigned.

A 56-year-old man from Somerset denied conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit sexual assault by penetration and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent to make the victim unconscious for sexual purposes.

A 43-year-old man, from Greater Manchester, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit sexual assault by penetration, and rape.

A 58-year-old, also from Greater Manchester, denied conspiracy to commit sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault by touching and sexual assault by penetration.

At a previous hearing six men, including the husband, entered not guilty pleas.

One man in his 50s, from Scotland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rape, assault by penetration, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.

Two men have yet to enter pleas to any of the charges.

A trial, estimated to last around 12 weeks, is due to begin on 1 September and the defendants will appear in court again for a case management hearing on 15 June.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.