Woman 'raped by her husband' hailed a hero for pulling body from river

A woman whose husband is accused of 56 sexual offences against her was hailed an 'extraordinary' local hero after helping recover a missing person's body from a river. 

Joanne Young, 48, waived her right to anonymity after six men, including her ex-husband, were charged with a string of sexual offences against her. 

She received the chief officer's commendation in September for her brave volunteer work with the Wiltshire Search and Rescue team, after retrieving the body of a missing person from the River Avon in June. 

The award is designed to recognise exceptional acts of bravery among individuals in public services. 

Business consultant Philip Young, who shares three children with Mrs Young, is accused of 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape, against his former wife. 

The pair founded a management consultancy business together in 2005. 

Norman Macksoni, 47, Dean Hamilton, 47, Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31, Richard Wilkins, 61, and Mohammed Hassan, 37, have been charged with offences including rape, sexual touching, sexual penetration and possession of extreme images.

Several of the men covered their faces as they arrived at Swindon Crown Court yesterday. 

Chief constable Catherine Roper said Mrs Young showed 'extraordinary dedication, professionalism and humanity in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding circumstances' in June, The Times first reported. 

She had been told a specialist dive team would require 10 hours to recover a missing person from the river, so she - alongside two other brave volunteers - pulled the body out themselves. 

Macksoni, of Sharnbrook, has been charged with one count of rape and possession of extreme images. He appeared in court wearing a dark three-piece suit and tie, along with a dark baseball cap. He indicated a plea of not guilty.

Hamilton, of no fixed abode, has been charged with one count of rape and sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual touching. He appeared in court wearing a white sweater and light trousers and indicated a plea of not guilty.

Sanderson-Doyle, from Swindon, has been charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching. He appeared in court with his long black hair tied in a ponytail, with a beige knitwear jumper and dark trousers and said he would not be providing an indication of plea.

Wilkins, from Swindon, has been charged with one count of rape and sexual touching. He appeared in court wearing a dark hooded jacket and did not indicate a plea.

Hassan, also from Swindon, has been charged with sexual touching on February 18 2023. Wearing spectacles and a dark hooded raincoat, he did not provide an indication of plea.

They were all granted conditional bail until January 23 when they will appear alongside Young at Swindon Crown Court.

Young, 49, earlier appeared before Swindon Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with 11 counts of rape, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of sexual touching, all involving his ex-wife.

When asked if he wished to indicate a plea at this stage, he shook his head.

Young is also facing 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower Ms Young 'to allow sexual activity'.

The alleged offences took place between 2010 and 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service said last night.

Young also faces multiple counts of voyeurism and possession of indecent images of children - including 139 of the most serious, category A, and 82 'extreme' images.

He was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance alongside the other five defendants at Swindon Crown Court on January 23.

Mrs Young has requested privacy and is being supported by specially trained officers.