A former British town councillor has pleaded guilty to dozens of serious sexual offences committed against his former wife over more than a decade, as a broader criminal case involving multiple defendants continues through the courts.
Philip Young, 49, who previously served on Swindon borough council in southern England, admitted to 48 offences spanning from 2010 to 2023 during a hearing at Winchester Crown Court.
The offences were committed against his ex-wife, Joanne Young, who has waived her legal right to anonymity and was present in court accompanied by family and witness support.
Young pleaded guilty to 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy in order to enable sexual activity, seven counts of assault by penetration, and four counts of sexual assault.
He also admitted to 14 counts of voyeurism, including one charge stating that his former wife was recorded on no fewer than 200 occasions.
Additionally, he pleaded guilty to publishing obscene articles by distributing photos and images of her on no fewer than 500 occasions.
Young did not plead guilty to several other charges, including counts related to indecent images and prohibited material, which remain unresolved.
He was remanded in custody following the hearing.
Five other men appeared in court in connection with alleged sexual offences against Joanne Young, reflecting the expanding scope of the case.
Norman Macksoni, Richard Wilkins, Connor Sanderson Doyle, and Mohammed Hassan each pleaded not guilty to various sexual offence charges.
Dean Hamilton has been charged with rape and multiple sexual offences and has yet to enter a plea.
All five men were granted bail, with a provisional trial date set for October 5.
Wiltshire Police have described the matter as a complex and extensive investigation that remains ongoing.