A husband has appeared in court accused of drugging and raping his wife with a string of other men.

The man, in his 60s, is accused of repeated attacks against his wife over a 20-year period, as well as rapes and other sex attacks involving the other defendants in more recent years.

The husband and 12 other men appeared before Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court today accused of a total of 48 offences.

Their names cannot be reported for legal reasons.

The attacks are said to have happened at the couple’s address in Stockport, Greater Manchester, after a substance was administered to the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Only eight of the men were required to enter charges.

The man in his 60s pleaded not guilty to sharing intimate photos of his wife and a string of other charges including rape, sexual assault and conspiracy to commit assault by penetration.

The men all appeared at Manchester Minshull Street today accused of a total of 48 charges

One man in his 50s pleaded guilty to four charges including conspiracy to rape, two counts of assault by penetration and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.

Six more pleaded not guilty to various charges including rape, sexual assault and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.

Of the other defendants apart from the husband, five are from Stockport, three from elsewhere in Greater Manchester, one is from Cheshire and two from other parts of the England and one from Dundee, Scotland.

All of the accused are aged 28 to 73 – with the offences involving the other men taking place in recent years.

Five defendants were granted bail, while a further seven were remanded in custody.

There will be a further hearing on March 20 and a trial is set to take place on September 1.