In a deeply distressing case, a former Tory councillor has admitted to drugging and repeatedly raping his ex-wife, Joanne Young, along with a group of other men. The 49-year-old Philip Young pleaded guilty to 48 offences against Ms Young, including 11 counts of rape and administering substances to stupefy her.
The investigation has uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over a decade, from 2010 to 2024. In addition to the rape charges, Mr Young also admitted 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.
Furthermore, Mr Young pleaded guilty to publishing an obscene article, namely non-consensual intimate photographs and videos of Ms Young, on at least 500 occasions during the same period.
However, he denied three counts of possessing indecent images of children, one charge of possessing prohibited images of children, and four counts of possessing extreme pornography.
Wiltshire Police are now seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an unknown man who is believed to be connected to the case. The man is described as being of large build, 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. It is unclear whether the unidentified man lives locally or has travelled from elsewhere.
Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith, the senior investigating officer, acknowledged the graphic nature of the images and the potential for them to be triggering to some people. However, he stressed the importance of the public’s help in identifying the man, as he may be a crucial part of the ongoing investigation.
Ms Young has bravely waived her right to anonymity, and the police have made this appeal with her pre-sight and support. Anyone who recognises the man in the images is urged to contact the police at 2651@wiltshire.police.uk, quoting reference number 54240080286.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice. The Wiltshire Police are determined to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the truth and ensuring that all those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
