6 hours ago
Last Updated:May 14, 2025, 17:12 IST
The woman said the assaults took place while she was unconscious, having unknowingly consumed sleeping medication that her husband allegedly added to her nightly tea.
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A woman in the United Kingdom revealed the disturbing years-long abuse she endured at the hands of her former husband, who drugged, raped, and photographed her without her knowledge.
The woman, identified as “Kate" by the BBC to protect her identity, recounted the ordeal that remained hidden for years.
According to Kate, the abuse came to light when her husband made a chilling confession, casually admitting: “I’ve been raping you. I’ve been sedating you and taking photographs of you for years."
She described the moment as surreal and disturbingly casual—like discussing dinner plans.
Kate said the assaults took place while she was unconscious, having unknowingly consumed sleeping medication that her husband allegedly added to her nightly tea.
On a few occasions when she partially woke up, he dismissed the acts as accidental, blaming them on sleep behaviour.
Following his confession, Kate experienced significant emotional and physical distress, including panic attacks and declining health. At first, she kept the abuse to herself, later confiding in her sister.
It was her mother who eventually alerted the police, leading to an initial inquiry by Devon and Cornwall Police. However, fearing the impact on their children, Kate chose to withdraw the charges shortly after.
Six months later, she resumed cooperation with law enforcement, and a formal investigation was launched. Detective Constable Mike Smith, who led the case, became a key source of support.
“He helped give me my power back," she said.
Despite evidence including psychiatric notes indicating the husband had admitted to non-consensual drugging and sex, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initially declined to bring charges.
That decision was overturned after Kate requested a review under the Victims’ Right to Review scheme.
In a statement, the CPS acknowledged the error: “While we get the vast majority of our charging decisions right the first time, this was not the case here and we apologise to the victim."
The case went to trial nearly five years after the confession. Kate’s ex-husband was convicted of rape, sexual assault by penetration, and administering a substance with intent.
He received an 11-year prison sentence and a lifelong restraining order.
Kate, who has since been diagnosed with PTSD and a neurological condition, said the abuse extended beyond the physical. She described her former husband as controlling and emotionally manipulative, alleging he misused prescription drugs throughout their relationship.
“Abuse isn’t always loud or visible," she said. “It often happens in silence, behind closed doors."
Her case has been compared to a similar situation in France involving Dominique Pelicot, who was convicted of repeatedly raping his wife over several decades.
Location :London, United Kingdom (UK)
First Published:News world ‘Drugged, Raped, Photographed My Wife For Years’: UK Husband’s Chilling Confession
