13 Men Named for First Time in Stockport Husband Drug-Rape Case
For months, their names could not be published.
A reporting restrictions order protected the anonymity of 13 men charged in connection with the case of a Stockport husband who admitted drugging and raping his wife over two decades. On Friday, that order was lifted — and their identities can be reported for the first time.
What the Case Is About
A man in his 60s from Stockport — who cannot be identified to protect the lifelong anonymity of his wife under UK law — is charged with 48 offences.
The charges allege he drugged his wife and raped or sexually assaulted her alone for more than 21 years, from 2004 until his arrest last year.
From 2018 until his arrest, prosecutors allege he went further — conspiring with other men to drug his wife while she was unconscious and inviting them to carry out attacks alongside him.
At a hearing earlier this week, the husband entered guilty pleas to 15 of the 48 charges — admitting five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate images.
He denies the remaining charges, including allegations of drugging his wife and the conspiracy counts involving other men.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled at Minshull Street Crown Court on 24 August, with the 15-week trial beginning on 1 September, according to ITV News Granada.
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The 13 Men — Who They Are and What They Face
All charges against the 13 men relate to a single complainant — the husband's wife.
Keith Fotheringham, 59, of Cleghorn Street, Dundee, has already pleaded guilty to all charges he faces: conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration, conspiracy to administer a substance with intent, and assault by penetration. He will be sentenced at a later date and will not stand trial with the others.
The remaining 12 defendants have denied all charges against them and are due to stand trial on September 1.
Jonathan Kirk, 43, of Stockport, is a senior paramedic who denies conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration, and rape. According to Sky News, Kirk — then aged 28 — was photographed with Prince Harry during the royal's visit to Salford Ambulance Station in the wake of the 2011 UK riots.
Karl Lindsay, 55, of Wordsworth Drive, Taunton, resigned as CEO of Taunton Town FC around the time of his arrest. He is accused of supplying the drugs used to incapacitate the victim, organising the abuse, and receiving photos and videos of the alleged attacks in return. He faces conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent, and denies all charges.
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The Other Defendants Named for the First Time
Graham Brougham, 73, of Rudheath, Northwich, faces conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration and rape, and denies all charges.
Philip Wild, 58, of Cheadle, formerly owned a taxi service. He faces conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration, sexual assault, attempted rape and assault by penetration, and denies all charges.
Mohammed Sabir, 28, of no fixed address, faces conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration and three counts of rape, and denies all charges.
Sean Peers, 37, of Eccles, faces conspiracy to commit assault by penetration and assault by penetration, and denies both charges.
Jordan Wallace, 31, of Wythenshawe, faces conspiracy to rape, rape and attempted rape, and denies all charges.
Alan Keelan, 42, of Wythenshawe, formerly coached an under-16s football team. He faces conspiracy to rape and two counts of rape, and denies all charges.
Richard Townsend, 37, of Heywood, faces conspiracy to commit assault by penetration and assault by penetration, and denies both charges.
Robert Stewart, 70, of Stockport, faces conspiracy to rape and two counts of rape, and denies all charges.
David Graves, 59, of Derbyshire, faces conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent, and denies all charges.
Daniel Rayner, 41, of Whitstable, faces conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to commit assault by penetration and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent, and denies all charges.
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What Comes Next
All 12 remaining defendants will stand trial alongside the husband at Minshull Street Crown Court from 1 September.
The husband will face a jury on the charges he has not admitted — including all conspiracy counts and the allegations that he drugged his wife.
All allegations are denied by those who have not yet entered guilty pleas. The court process will determine guilt or innocence.
The victim is entitled to anonymity for life under UK law, and no detail that would identify her is being published.
Key Takeaways
- A reporting restrictions order was lifted on June 26, allowing the 13 men charged alongside a Stockport husband to be named for the first time.
- The husband admitted 15 of 48 charges, including five rapes, over a 21-year period. He denies the remainder, including conspiracy with the other men and drugging his wife.
- Keith Fotheringham, 59, has pleaded guilty to all his charges and will be sentenced separately.
- The 12 other defendants, who deny all charges, will stand trial at Minshull Street Crown Court from 1 September in a 15-week trial.
- Among those named: Jonathan Kirk, a senior paramedic photographed with Prince Harry, and Karl Lindsay, who resigned as CEO of Taunton Town FC at the time of his arrest.
- The victim retains lifelong anonymity under UK law.
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World News Correspondent
Rachel Hayes reports on international affairs, geopolitics, and breaking world news. Based in London, she covers stories shaping the UK and global political landscape.
