Former councillor admits drugging and raping ex-wife for more than 10 years
Philip Young, 49, subjected his ex-wife Joanne – who has waived her right to anonymity – to years of sexual abuse
A former Tory councillor has admitted to drugging and raping his former wife with other men for more than 10 years.
Philip Young, 49, pleaded guilty to 48 offences against Joanne Young, who has waived her right to anonymity, including 11 counts of rape and administering a substance with intent to stupefy.
Appearing at Winchester Crown Court wearing a grey sweatshirt on Friday, he clasped his hands together and spoke clearly and calmly as the charges were put to him. Ms Young was present in court for the hearing.
Mr Young, of Enfield in north London, admitted to administering a substance and raping his ex-wife on 11 occasions.
He also pleaded guilty to seven counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual touching and voyeurism by recording Ms Young without her consent on at least 200 occasions between 2010 and 2024.
He further admitted to publishing an obscene article, namely non-consensual intimate photographs and videos of Ms Young, on at least 500 occasions in the same period.
However, he denied three counts of possessing indecent images of children, one charge of possessing prohibited images of children and four counts of possessing extreme pornography.
Mr Young served as a Conservative Swindon borough councillor for Covingham and Nythe between 2007 and 2010. He was remanded in custody by Judge Angela Morris, the Recorder of Winchester.
Five other men appeared in court accused of sexual offences against Ms Young, 48. They were released on bail for a further case management hearing on 5 May.
- Norman Macksoni, 47, from Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and possession of extreme images
- Dean Hamilton, 47, of Compton Dundon, Somerset, did not enter pleas to one count of rape and sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual touching
- Conner Sanderson Doyle, 31, from Swindon, pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching
- Richard Wilkins, 61, from Swindon, pleaded not guilty to charges of one count of rape and assault by penetration
- Mohammed Hassan, 37, from Swindon, pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual touching
A trial lasting six weeks has been scheduled for 5 October.
James Foster, specialist prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Philip Young has pleaded guilty to 48 serious sexual offences committed against his former wife, Joanne Young.
“We worked closely with Wiltshire Police to build a thorough and compelling case that resulted in him pleading guilty to dozens of offences today.”
Following the hearing, Wiltshire Police detective superintendent Geoff Smith, the senior investigating officer, paid tribute to Ms Young’s “incredible bravery”.
He said: “Today’s hearing is a significant landmark, which has seen Philip Young admit to dozens of serious sexual offences against Joanne Young.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Jo for her incredible bravery throughout this process. She continues to be supported by specially trained officers.
“I’d also like to commend the investigation team for their relentless hard work in getting the case to this stage and thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their support in ensuring Young faces justice for his abhorrent actions.”
Police previously appealed for help to identify another man in connection with the case. The man, seen in images taken in 2022, is of large build and has a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest.
Anyone who recognises the man should call 101 and quote reference number 54240080286.
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