An Ilkeston man is among 13 people due to stand trial later this year as part of a major police investigation into alleged drug-facilitated sexual abuse.
David Graves, of Ilkeston, has been charged with conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.
The charges form part of a complex investigation by Greater Manchester Police into allegations that a woman was repeatedly sexually abused after allegedly being drugged.
Police say a man in his 60s, from Stockport, is accused of conspiring with others to drug his wife before she was raped while unconscious. The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the legal anonymity of his wife, has already admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration and one count of sharing intimate photographs or film.
He also faces further charges including rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration, conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, administering a substance with intent, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent.
In total, 13 men have been charged in connection with the investigation. One defendant, Keith Fotheringham, of Dundee, has pleaded guilty to several offences including conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, conspiracy to administer a substance with intent and assault by penetration.
The remaining defendants face a range of allegations including rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration and conspiracy offences.
All of the defendants, including David Graves, remain in custody apart from five who have been granted bail ahead of the trial.
The defendants will go on trial in September.
As criminal proceedings are now active, it is important to note that all defendants are entitled to a fair trial. The charges remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
Support available
Greater Manchester Police has encouraged anyone who believes they may have been affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse to come forward. Officers say people do not need proof or a clear memory of events to report concerns and will be supported by specially trained investigators.
Anyone with information relating to the investigation can contact Greater Manchester Police via 101, quoting reference 771 of 25 June 2026, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.