A FORMER councillor has pleaded guilty to drugging and raping his ex-wife over 13 years – as cops hunt an outstanding suspect.

Philip Young, 49, was accused of multiple offences including rape, possession of indecent images of children and voyeurism.

Mugshot of Philip Young, with graying hair and beard.
Philip Young has pleaded guilty to a staring of sex offences against his ex-wifeCredit: SWNS
 

Joanne Young, with dark hair, looking at the camera, against a wall and painting.
Joanne Young, the victim, has decided to waive her right to anonymity and can be named as Philip’s ex-wifeCredit: PA
 

Philip Young court case
Police have released an image of another suspect they would like to track downCredit: PA
His ex-wife Joanne Young, 48, has waived her right to anonymity, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed.

Young appeared at Winchester Crown Court today where he took 27 minutes to plead guilty to 48 charges.

These included 14 counts of voyeurism, 11 of rape, 11 of administering a substance with intent, seven of assault by penetration, four of sexual assault and one of publishing obscene articles.

He pleaded not guilty to eight counts related to making and possessing indecent images of children and possessing extreme images.

Joanne was in court to listen to him admit the charges, which took place between 2010 and 2023.

Five other men have been charged with a string of offences – also allegedly carried out against Joanne.

Wiltshire Police have now issued an appeal to identify an outstanding suspect in the investigation.

Officers have released images of the man that were taken around April or May 2022.

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He has been described as “of a large build, hairy, with scarring on the back of his head, prominent lips, short or shaved hair, and a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest”.

Police said the appeal has been made with “the pre-sight and support of the victim, Joanne Young, who has waived her right to anonymity”.

Although the offences took place in Swindon, it is not known whether the suspect lives locally or travelled from elsewhere.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith said: “This is a significant investigation in which several suspects have appeared in court charged with various serious sexual offences.

“This man remains unknown and we remain really keen to identify and speak with him in connection with the case.

“We appreciate the graphic nature of these images and that they may be triggering to some people, however we need the public’s help to identify this man.

“It is unknown whether he lives in Swindon or from outside the county, which is why we request that this is shared as widely as possible to assist our bid to identify him.”

Norman Macksoni, 47, and Richard Wilkins, 61, also appeared in court today where they both pleaded not guilty to one count of rape.

Dean Hamilton, 4 is yet to enter a plea to the same charge.

Conner Sanderson Doyle, 31, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching.

Mohammed Hassan, 37, denied a count of sexual touching.

The five men were all granted bail and are due to stand trial on October 5.

Young is a former Tory councillor and served for four years in the Swindon borough of Covingham and Nythe.

He was more recently chief operating officer at the consultants Pracedo.

James Foster, Specialist Prosecutor, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Philip Young has pleaded guilty to 48 serious sexual offences committed against his former wife, Joanne Young.

“We worked closely with Wiltshire Police to build a thorough and compelling case that resulted in him pleading guilty to dozens of offences today.”

Wiltshire Police Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith, paid tribute to Joanne Young’s “incredible bravery”.

He said: “Today’s hearing is a significant landmark, which has seen Philip Young admit to dozens of serious sexual offences against Joanne Young.

“I’d like to pay tribute to Jo for her incredible bravery throughout this process. She continues to be supported by specially trained officers.”

Anyone who recognises the man in the police appeal has been asked to email [email protected] and quote reference number 54240080286.

Dean Hamilton arriving at Swindon Magistrates' Court.
Dean Hamilton is among the five men chargedCredit: PA
 

Mohammed Hassan, one of the defendants in the Philip Young rape case, wearing an orange safety vest, stands in front of an Amazon building.
Mohammed Hassan has been accused of sexual touchingCredit: Social Media
 

Richard Wilkins, one of the defendants in the Philip Young rape case, ID'd by Alex West in court.
Richard Wilkins is charged with rape and sexual touchingCredit: Social Media
 

Norman Macksoni, a defendant in the Philip Young rape case, in court.
Norman Macksoni is accused of one count of rape and possession of extreme images
 

Conner Sanderson Doyle arriving at Swindon Magistrates Court.
Conner Sanderson Doyle is pictured arriving at Swindon Magistrates’ CourtCredit: SWNS