Ex-Tory councillor in court accused of drugging and raping his former wife

A former Tory councillor has appeared in court charged with drugging and raping his former wife over a period of 13 years.

- Emine Sinmaz

Philip Young, 49, and five other men have been accused of more than 60 rapes and sexual offences against Joanne Young, 48.

She can be named as the alleged victim because she has waived her right to anonymity, which would otherwise apply in such cases.

Young, described by police as white British, appeared at Swindon magistrates court yesterday charged with 56 offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with intent to stupefy his former spouse. He is also accused of voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children and possession of extreme images.

He was remanded into custody and will appear at Swindon crown court on 23 January.

Young spoke to confirm his name and address during the brief hearing. When asked if he wished to indicate a plea at this stage, he shook his head.

The prosecutor Keith Ballinger said Young faced "a number of allegations", some of which were indictable-only, and invited the case to be sent to the crown court.

Paul Dillon, defending Young, said: "In these circumstances, sir, there's nothing to add."