A man has pleaded guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting his wife over a period of 20 years as he admitted 60 criminal offences.
The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the anonymity of his victim, is in his 60s and before his arrest lived in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
He admitted 60 counts, which include 21 counts of rape and sharing intimate images of his victim.
His estranged wife sat on the front row of the packed courtroom with other family members as he entered his pleas, occasionally sobbing as he did so.
In June, the man pleaded guilty to 15 of the charges against him. On Monday he admitted the final 45 at Manchester’s Minshull Street crown court.
The defendant also previously pleaded guilty to sharing intimate photographs or film of his wife, without her consent, for sexual gratification.
Twelve co-defendants all deny various allegations involving the same woman.
Rick Jackson, an assistant chief constable of Greater Manchester police, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you, or someone you know, may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
