A former Conservative councillor has pleaded guilty to a horrific campaign of abuse against his ex-wife spanning 14 years, admitting to nearly 50 separate offences including rape, drugging, and voyeurism.
Guilty Pleas to Extensive Abuse Charges
Philip Young, 49, entered guilty pleas at Winchester Crown Court to multiple serious charges against his former spouse Joanne Young, 48, who has waived her right to anonymity. The court heard how Young admitted to 11 counts of rape and 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy his ex-wife.
The disturbing pattern of abuse extended far beyond these charges, with Young also pleading guilty to 14 counts of voyeurism, including one count that covered at least 200 separate acts. Additionally, he admitted seven counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault, and one count of publishing obscene articles on at least 500 occasions.
Political Background and Business Career
Philip Young served as a Conservative councillor on Swindon Borough Council from 2007 to 2010, representing the local community during his political tenure. Born in Enfield in June 1976, Young graduated from the University of Westminster in 1998 before entering public service.
According to local reports from the Swindon Advertiser, Young resigned from his cabinet position as member for culture, regeneration and economic development on 6 May 2010, citing family commitments and business interests. "Trying to juggle all of that, family and work, I don't think it is fair on my family to put them bottom of that priority list," he told the newspaper at the time.
Following his departure from politics, Young pursued a business career, serving as director of several companies. Most recently, he held the position of chief operating officer at Pracedo, a consultancy firm operating in the professional services sector.
Additional Charges and Co-defendants
While pleading guilty to the extensive abuse charges against his ex-wife, Young entered not guilty pleas to three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possession of prohibited images, and four counts of possessing extreme pornographic images.
The court proceedings revealed that five other men appeared alongside Young on Friday in connection with alleged offences against Joanne Young. The co-defendants include:
- Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31, of Swindon, who pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and assault by penetration
- Norman Macksoni, 47, of Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, who pleaded not guilty to rape and possessing an extreme pornographic image
- Richard Wilkins, 61, of Toothill, Swindon, who pleaded not guilty to assault by penetration and rape
- Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Swindon, who pleaded not guilty to sexual assault
- Dean Hamilton, 47, of Compton Dundon in Somerset, who is charged with assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault and rape, and has yet to enter pleas
Personal History and Public Profile
The case has revealed stark contrasts between Young's public persona and private actions. In September 2009, the Swindon Advertiser featured Young in a positive light when he delivered his own son at home after his wife went into labour unexpectedly.
This public image stands in stark contrast to the abuse that court documents reveal was occurring during this period. The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2010 and 2024, covering a significant portion of Young's adult life and professional career.
Joanne Young, who sat facing her ex-husband in courtroom 2 during the proceedings, was the complainant on all counts against Philip Young. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings progress through the court system.
