Philip Young in court charged with drugging and raping ex-wife

A former councillor has appeared in court accused of a string of sexual offences against his ex-wife over a 13-year period.

Philip Young, 49, is charged with 56 offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with intent to stupefy his former spouse Joanne Young.

Mr Young, formerly of Swindon but now of Amberley Road, Enfield, confirmed his name and address at Swindon Magistrates’ Court. He did not enter a plea.

Five other men are also charged with offences against Ms Young, 48, who has waived her legal right to anonymity.

Mr Young has also been charged with voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children and possession of extreme images.

Mr Young, dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans and a black zip-up jumper, was remanded into custody earlier and is next due to appear at Swindon Crown Court for a hearing on 23 January.

He previously served as a Conservative Swindon borough councillor for Covingham and Nythe between 2007 and 2010. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2010 and 2023.