The quiet streets of Stockport have been rocked by allegations of a decades-long abuse scandal, involving 14 men accused of conspiring in acts of rape and assault against a single victim. At the centre of this case is the main defendant, who has already pleaded guilty to 15 charges, including five counts of rape, but denies a further 33. His identity remains protected to safeguard the anonymity of his alleged victim.
Among those charged alongside him are individuals from various professions, including a senior paramedic, a taxi driver, and a former junior football coach, whose ages range from 28 to 73. They face charges including conspiracy to rape and conspiracy to assault by penetration. During preliminary hearings at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, some of the accused appeared in court dressed smartly, while others were seen in more casual attire.
Keith Fortheringham, 59, a university technician from Dundee, has already entered guilty pleas for assault by penetration, conspiracy to assault by penetration, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to administer a substance with intent. He is currently remanded into custody and awaits sentencing.
Other named co-defendants include Jonathan Kirk, 43, a senior paramedic from Stockport, who denies charges of conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to assault by penetration, and rape; Philip Wild, 58, a taxi driver also from Stockport, who has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including conspiracy to rape and attempted rape; and Alan Keelan, 42, a former junior football coach, who denies one charge of conspiracy to rape and two counts of rape.