A former UK councillor, Philip Young, has been charged with 56 sexual offences against his ex-wife, Joanne Young, spanning a period of 13 years. The charges include multiple counts of rape and administering a substance to incapacitate her.

Mr. Young, 49, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court earlier today, confirming his name and address – now listed as Amberley Road in Enfield – but did not enter a plea. He has been remanded in custody.

Alongside Mr. Young, five other men also appeared in court facing similar charges related to offences against Ms. Young, 48, who has waived her right to anonymity. Norman Macksoni, 47, and Dean Hamilton, 47, both pleaded not guilty to all charges against them.

Police have described Mr. Young as a white British national. The charges against him extend beyond sexual assault to include voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children, and possession of extreme images. Mr. Macksoni was described as a black British national, while Mr. Hamilton and Connor Sanderson Doyle, 31, were described as white British nationals. Richard Wilkins, 61, and Mohammed Hassan, 37, a British Asian male, also appeared in court.

Connor Sanderson Doyle, Richard Wilkins, and Mohammed Hassan did not enter pleas during the hearing. All six men have been released on bail with strict conditions – namely, no direct or indirect contact with Ms. Young and a requirement to inform Wiltshire Police of any change of address.

Mr. Young previously served as a Conservative councillor for Covingham and Nythe in Swindon between 2007 and 2010. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2010 and 2023.

Wiltshire Police are continuing their investigation and are appealing for information to identify a seventh man linked to the case. The man is described as having a large build, scarring on the back of his head, prominent lips, a hairy body, and a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest. He is also said to be balding with short or shaved hair, and images used for identification were taken between April and May 2022.

Anyone with information regarding the unidentified man is urged to contact Wiltshire Police. The case is scheduled to be heard again at Swindon Crown Court on January 23rd.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE