A former Conservative councillor has appeared before magistrates charged with a horrific catalogue of 56 sexual offences against his ex-wife, allegedly committed with five other men over a 13-year period.
Charges and Court Appearance
Philip Young, 49, a business consultant and father-of-three, stood in the dock at Swindon Magistrates’ Court charged with a series of crimes against his former spouse, Joanne Young, 48. The charges include 11 counts of rape, seven of sexual assault, and four of sexual touching. He also faces 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower her to enable sexual activity.
Young, who appeared wearing a dark jumper and jeans and stood with his arms crossed, was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear next at Swindon Crown Court on 23 January.
In a powerful move, Joanne Young has chosen to waive her automatic legal right to anonymity as a complainant in a sexual offence case. Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith of Wiltshire Police confirmed she had been supported by specially trained officers throughout the process.
Five Other Defendants and Further Allegations
The case involves five other men who are due to appear before the same court. They are:
- Norman Macksoni, 47, charged with rape and possession of extreme images.
- Dean Hamilton, 46, charged with rape, sexual assault by penetration, and sexual touching.
- Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31, charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching.
- Richard Wilkins, 61, charged with rape and sexual touching.
- Mohammed Hassan, 37, charged with sexual touching.
The Crown Prosecution Service states the alleged offences took place between 2010 and 2023. Furthermore, Young faces additional charges of voyeurism and possession of indecent images of children, including 139 category A images—the most serious kind—and 82 'extreme' images.
Background of the Accused
Philip Young was a Conservative councillor in Swindon for several years, rising to become cabinet member for culture, regeneration and economic development. He stepped down in 2010, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Previously living in Swindon's upmarket Ash Brake area, he has more recently moved to Enfield, north London. He presents himself online as an 'experienced business leader' and is currently listed as the chief operating officer for a London-based salesforce consultancy, a role he started in June 2023. His professional biography cites work with major firms like Aston Martin, Unilever, and BP.
The couple's past included a seemingly happy public moment when Young described delivering their third child at home in 2009, an event covered by the local press. They have since separated.
James Foster, a specialist prosecutor for the CPS, said: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to charge and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings." The investigation, described as "complex and extensive," continues as all six defendants face the legal process.
