Husband in court charged with drugging and raping ex-wife
A former councillor has appeared in court accused of a string of sexual offences against his ex-wife over a 13-year period.
Philip Young, 49, is charged with 56 offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with intent to stupefy his former spouse Joanne Young.
Mr Young, formerly of Swindon but now of Amberley Road in Enfield, confirmed his name and address at Swindon Magistrates' Court. He did not enter a plea.
Five other men are also charged with offences against Ms Young, 48, who has waived her legal right to anonymity.
Among the 56 charges, Mr Young - who police described as a white British national - is accused of voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children and possession of extreme images.
Dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans and a black zip-up jumper, he was remanded into custody earlier and is next due to appear at Swindon Crown Court for a hearing on 23 January.
Mr Young served as a Conservative Swindon borough councillor for Covingham and Nythe between 2007 and 2010. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2010 and 2023.
The following men are due to appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court later, accused of offences against Ms Young:
- Norman Macksoni, 47, of Wood End Close, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire. Police described him as a black British national. He is charged with one count of rape and possession of extreme images
- Dean Hamilton, 47, of no fixed abode. Police described him as a white British national. He is charged with one count of rape and sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual touching
- Conner Sanderson Doyle, 31, of Crofton Road, Swindon. Police described him as a white British national. He is charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching
- Richard Wilkins, 61, of Tattershall, Toothill, Swindon. Police described him as a white British national. He is charged with one count of rape and sexual touching
- Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Torun Way, Swindon. Police described him as a British Asian male. He is charged with sexual touching
Meanwhile, Wiltshire Police told BBC News officers were still trying to identify another man in connection with this investigation.
Based on images taken between April and May 2022, he was described as being of a large build, with scarring to the back of his head, prominent lips, a hairy body and a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest. He was also said to be balding with short or shaved hair.
Officers asked anyone with information about who the man could be to contact police.