Former Conservative councillor admits drugging and raping ex-wife over more than a decade

23rd Jan 2026
Former Conservative councillor admits drugging and raping ex-wife over more than a decade A former Conservative councillor has pleaded guilty to drugging and raping his former wife repeatedly over a period spanning more than a decade, admitting dozens of serious sexual offences. Philip Young, 49, entered guilty pleas at Winchester Crown Court to 48 offences committed against Joanne Young between 2010 and 2024. The offences include 11 counts of rape, multiple sexual assaults, administering substances with intent to stupefy or overpower, voyeurism, and the publication of non-consensual intimate images. Ms Young, who has waived her right to lifelong anonymity, was present in court and sat opposite her former husband during the hearing. The couple divorced following Young’s arrest in 2024. Prosecutors said some of the offences involved other men, several of whom appeared in court alongside Young and deny allegations of sexual offences. One defendant has yet to enter pleas. Those co-accused were released ahead of a trial scheduled to begin in October and expected to last up to six weeks. One voyeurism charge related to at least 200 occasions, while Young also admitted publishing intimate images and videos of his former wife on hundreds of occasions without her consent. Young, who served as a Swindon borough councillor between 2007 and 2010, has been remanded in custody. Following the hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service said Young had admitted “dozens of serious sexual offences” and paid tribute to Ms Young’s decision to come forward. Wiltshire Police also praised her “incredible bravery”, describing the guilty pleas as a significant moment in the case. Sentencing will take place at a later date.