Thirteen men implicated in husband’s alleged scheme to drug and rape his unconscious wife

Thirteen men’s names are now public in a major drugging and rape case after reporting restrictions that had shielded their identities were lifted ahead of a trial scheduled for later this year.

The men are accused of being part of a conspiracy orchestrated by a husband, from the Stockport area of Greater Manchester, who allegedly drugged and sexually abused his wife over a 20-year period. The husband cannot be named to protect his wife’s anonymity under British law.

The husband’s case

The husband, in his sixties, has admitted five counts of rape, six counts of assault by penetration, three counts of sexual assault, and sharing intimate photographs or film of his wife without her consent for sexual gratification. These admitted offences occurred between 2022 and 2025, according to the charges he faced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

However, he denies 33 other charges, including 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. He also denies drugging his wife over the full 20-year period from 2004 to 2025, and conspiring with other men to drug and rape her between 2018 and 2025.

The husband changed some of his pleas on Monday, having previously denied all 48 counts on the indictment involving his wife. He is due to stand trial over the alleged offences at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 1 September, with a 12-week trial expected. A preliminary hearing is set for 24 August.

The co-defendants

Keith Fotheringham, 59, from Dundee, Scotland, has pleaded guilty to 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 pleas in February and will be sentenced at a later date.

All other co-defendants deny the charges against them. They are due to stand trial alongside the husband on 1 September.

David Graves, 59, of Ilkeston, Derbyshire, is in custody. He denies conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.

Daniel Rayner, 42, of Whitstable, Kent, is also in custody. He denies the same three conspiracy charges.

Karl Lindsay, 55, of Taunton, Somerset, is in custody. He resigned as chief executive of Taunton Town FC around the time of his arrest in November 2025. He denies conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.

Graham Brougham, 73, of Northwich, Cheshire, is on bail. He has pleaded not guilty to rape, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to assault by penetration.

Philip Wild, 58, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, is in custody. A taxi driver, he was previously involved with the bus company SuperShuttle, which had its contract with Stockport Council terminated in 2013 due to safety concerns. He denies attempted rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to assault by penetration.

Mohammed Sabir, 28, of Stockport, is in custody. A recruiter, he was previously convicted in 1991 for conspiracy to evade and supply Class A drugs, receiving a 17-year sentence. He denies three counts of rape, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to assault by penetration.

Jonathan Kirk, 43, of Stockport, is on bail. He is a senior paramedic who previously met Prince Harry in 2013. He denies rape, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to assault by penetration.

Sean Peers, 37, of Stockport, is on bail. He was previously charged in 2021 with robbery and aggravated vehicle taking. He denies assault by penetration and conspiracy to assault by penetration.

Jordan Wallace, 31, of Wythenshawe, Manchester, is on bail. A dog walker, he denies rape, attempted rape, and conspiracy to rape.

Alan Keelan, 42, of Wythenshawe, is on bail. He coached at a junior football club in Manchester. He denies two counts of rape and conspiracy to rape.

Robert Stewart, 70, of Stockport, is in custody. A DJ, he was previously convicted in 2000 for the racially motivated murder of a 19-year-old and served a life sentence. He denies two counts of rape and conspiracy to rape.

Richard Townsend, 37, of Heywood, Greater Manchester, is in custody. A metal worker, he denies assault by penetration and conspiracy to assault by penetration.

A further preliminary hearing will be held at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 24 August.