In a shocking revelation, a former Conservative councillor from Enfield, north London, has pleaded guilty to a series of horrific sexual offences against his ex-wife. Philip Young, 49, admitted to 48 charges, including 11 counts of rape and administering substances to stupefy his victim, Joanne Young, over a period of more than 10 years.
Appearing at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, Young calmly and clearly acknowledged the charges put to him. Ms. Young, who has waived her right to anonymity, was present in the courtroom for the hearing.
In addition to the rape charges, Young also pleaded guilty to seven counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual touching, and voyeurism by recording Ms. Young without her consent on at least 200 occasions between 2010 and 2024. He further admitted to publishing obscene material, namely non-consensual intimate photographs and videos of Ms. Young, on at least 500 occasions during the same period.
However, Young denied three counts of possessing indecent images of children, one charge of possessing prohibited images of children, and four counts of possessing extreme pornography.
The former Tory councillor, who served on Swindon Borough Council’s Covingham and Nythe ward between 2007 and 2010, was remanded in custody by Judge Angela Morris, the Recorder of Winchester.
In a separate case, five other men appeared in court accused of sexual offences against Ms. Young. They were released on bail for a further case management hearing on 5 May.
Wiltshire Police detective superintendent Geoff Smith, the senior investigating officer, paid tribute to Ms. Young’s “incredible bravery” throughout the process, stating that the hearing marked a “significant landmark” in the case.
The investigation team and the Crown Prosecution Service were also commended for their relentless work in ensuring that Young faces justice for his “abhorrent actions.”
Police are still seeking the public’s help to identify another man, described as being of large build with a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest, who may be connected to the case.
