BREAKING: Man appears in court accused drugging and raping ex-wife for 13 years

Philip Young, 49, has appeared in court accused of 56 offences - including multiple counts of rape, possession of indecent images of children and voyeurism

A husband has appeared in court accused of a string of sickening offences, including drugging and raping his ex-wife over a 13-year period.

Philip Young, formerly from Swindon but now living in Enfield, is charged with 56 offences including multiple counts of rape, possession of indecent images of children and voyeurism. The 49-year-old is also accused of administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower to allow sexual activity, and possession of extreme images.

The victim has bravely waived her legal right to anonymity ahead of court proceedings taking place and can be named as Joanne Young, 48, the now ex-wife of Philip Young.

Joanne has asked to be named in the press release and is being supported by specially trained officers and partner agencies, Wiltshire Police said. The force asked that her privacy be respected.

Another five defendants - Norman Macksoni, Dean Hamilton, Conner Sanderson Doyle, Richard Wilkins and Mohammed Hassan - are due to appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court later this afternoon at 2pm. They are also charged with sexual offences against Joanne Young, including rape and sexual assault.

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