Husband who drugged and raped wife for 20 years no longer part of trial

A man who drugged and raped his wife for more than 20 years without her knowledge will no longer be involved in a trial involving other defendants, a jury has heard. The husband, aged in his 60s and from the Stockport area of Greater Manchester, has admitted a total of 60 offences against the woman including rape, assault by penetration, administering a substance with intent and sharing indecent images without her consent. Twelve other men are still due to go on trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court accused of serious sexual offences - including rape - against the same woman. The nine women and three men of the jury, plus two female reserve jurors, have been asked to return to court on 5 October. The court has heard the husband, who cannot be named to protect his wife's legal right to anonymity, has admitted abusing his wife since 2004.