GRAHAM BROUGHAM ADMITS RAPING WOMAN DRUGGED BY HUSBAND FOR 20 YEARS

Graham Brougham has admitted raping a woman who was drugged and abused by her husband for more than 20 years. He entered the plea at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, admitting a count of rape against her in September 2024. Brougham, from Northwich in Cheshire, was due to stand trial alongside ten other men but changed his plea as he entered the dock. The woman watched from the public gallery, holding hands with a relative, as he answered guilty. Judge Maurice Greene renewed his bail but told him his sentence would mean a long period in custody.

Brougham is the latest defendant to admit offences against the same victim, from the Stockport area of Greater Manchester. Her husband, who cannot be named to protect her anonymity, has admitted 62 offences including rape and administering a substance with intent, and remains in custody. He has given a witness statement setting out his account, which lawyers are still examining. Sean Peers, from Stockport, has also pleaded guilty to assault by penetration, while Keith Fotheringham, from Dundee, has previously admitted sexually abusing the woman. Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said officers remained focused on supporting the victim through a complex investigation.

Ten further defendants - David Graves, Daniel Rayner, Karl Lindsay, Philip Wild, Mohammed Sabir, Jonathan Kirk, Jordan Wallace, Alan Keelan, Robert Stewart and Richard Townsend - deny offences against the same woman. They are due to stand trial from 2 November, after the case was delayed for legal reasons. Prosecutors allege the offences took place between 2015 and November 2025. A jury, including two reserve jurors, has been sworn in. Brougham, released on conditional bail, will be sentenced once the trial concludes.