Man charged with 56 sexual offences against ex-wife - as five other men also charged

A man has been charged - alongside five other men - with carrying out sexual offences against his now former wife over a 13-year period.

Philip Young, 49, formerly of Swindon, has been charged with 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape, against Joanne Young, 48, Wiltshire Police said.

He is also charged with administering a substance with the intent to stupefy or overpower to allow sexual activity, as well as voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children and possession of extreme images.

Five other men have also been charged with sexual offences against Ms Young, who police say has waived her automatic legal right to anonymity.

All six men will appear at Swindon Magistrates Court tomorrow, Wiltshire Police said.

The other men are Norman Macksoni, 47, of Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire. He is a black British national and has been charged with one count of rape and possession of extreme images.

Dean Hamilton, 47, of no fixed abode. He is a white British national and has been charged with one count of rape and sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual touching.

Conner Sanderson Doyle, 31, of Swindon. He is a white British national and has been charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching

Richard Wilkins, 61, of Swindon. He is a white British national and has been charged with one count of rape and sexual touching

Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Swindon. He is a British Asian male and has been charged with sexual touching.

Police say the offences took place between 2010 and 2023.

Geoff Smith, detective superintendent for Wiltshire Police, said: "This is a significant update in what is a complex and extensive investigation.

"The victim in this case, Joanne, has taken the decision to waive her automatic legal right to anonymity.

"She has been supported by specially trained officers from the beginning of the process and she has made the decision following multiple discussions with officers and support services."

People who allege they are victims of rape have been automatically entitled to lifelong anonymity since the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act was passed in 1976.

This has since been extended to certain other sexual offences, though victims can waive the protection if they wish.

(c) Sky News 2025: Man charged with 56 sexual offences against ex-wife - as five other men also charged