Philip Young, a former Conservative councillor, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, drugging, and sexual assault against his ex-wife over a 13-year period. The 49-year-old admitted to 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy, and 14 counts of voyeurism, among other offences. The crimes allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2024.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Young, who formerly represented Swindon Borough Council, pleaded guilty to the charges at Winchester Crown Court. He denied eight counts related to indecent images of children and extreme pornography. Four other men, also charged with offences against Joanne Young, pleaded not guilty.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background and Charges
Young, who now resides in Enfield, admitted to a total of 49 offences, including seven counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault, and one count of publishing obscene articles. Joanne Young, who waived her right to anonymity, was the complainant in all cases.
Additional Defendants
Five other men appeared in court alongside Young, each facing separate charges related to alleged offences against Joanne Young. Their pleas include:
- Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31: Pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and assault by penetration.
- Norman Macksoni, 47: Pleaded not guilty to rape and possessing an extreme pornographic image.
- Richard Wilkins, 61: Pleaded not guilty to assault by penetration and rape.
- Mohammed Hassan, 37: Pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
- Dean Hamilton, 47: Charged with assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault, and rape; has yet to enter pleas.
Young’s Background
Young, born in Enfield in June 1976, graduated from the University of Westminster in 1998. He served as a Conservative councillor on Swindon Borough Council from 2007 to 2010, resigning as the cabinet member for culture, regeneration, and economy.
Legal Proceedings
The case is ongoing, with sentencing expected to follow the conclusion of legal proceedings. The court has not yet issued a final ruling on the denied charges related to indecent and extreme images.