Five men charged with sexual offences against the ex-wife of former Swindon councillor Philip Young have been publicly pictured for the first time after appearing in court.
Charges Spanning Over a Decade
The group, alongside Philip Young, 49, face a series of serious allegations relating to Joanne Young, who has waived her legal right to anonymity. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2010 and 2023.
Philip Young, formerly of Swindon but now living in Enfield, faces a total of 56 charges. These include multiple counts of rape, possession of indecent images of children, voyeurism, and administering a substance with intent to stupefy to enable sexual activity. He was remanded in custody after a hearing.
The Five Accused Men Appear in Court
The five other defendants made their initial appearances at Swindon Magistrates' Court, where they were all granted conditional bail. Magistrate Martin Clarke ordered that they must have no contact, direct or indirect, with the complainant, Joanne Young. They must also inform Wiltshire Police of any change of address.
The accused men and the charges they face are:
- Norman Macksoni, 47, of Wood End Close, Sharnbrook. Charged with one count of rape and possession of extreme images. He indicated a not guilty plea.
- Dean Hamilton, 47, of St James Square, Butleigh, Somerset. Charged with rape, sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual touching. He indicated a not guilty plea.
- Conner Sanderson Doyle, 31, of Crofton Road, Swindon. Charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching. He did not enter a plea.
- Richard Wilkins, 61, of Tattershall, Toothill, Swindon. Charged with rape and sexual touching. He did not enter a plea.
- Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Torun Way, Swindon. Charged with sexual touching. He did not indicate a plea.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
All five men, alongside Philip Young, are scheduled to appear next at Swindon Crown Court on January 23 next year for a further hearing. The case continues to develop as the prosecution prepares its evidence for the higher court.
The detailed charges highlight the severity of the allegations, which centre on a prolonged period of alleged abuse. The court's decision to grant bail with strict conditions reflects the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need to protect the alleged victim during the judicial process.
