Philip Young, 49, stands accused of multiple sexual offences against his ex-wife, Joanne Young, 48, spanning from 2010 to 2023. Authorities charge him with 56 counts, including rape, administering a substance to stupify or overpower for sexual activity, voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children, and possession of extreme images. Young, a former Conservative councillor, remains in custody after a December 2025 hearing and has not entered a plea yet.

The case unfolds at Winchester Crown Court in southeast England. Joanne Young chose to waive her legal right to anonymity, drawing attention to the UK man ex-wife rape case.

Additional Defendants and Historical Context

Five other men, aged 31 to 61, join Young in court, facing various sexual offences against the same victim. Norman Macksoni, 47, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and possession of extreme images on an earlier date. Dean Hamilton, 47, also pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual touching.

Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31, faces charges of sexual assault and sexual touching. Richard Wilkins, 61, stands accused of rape and sexual touching, while Mohammed Hassan, 37, faces sexual touching charges. The three have not yet entered pleas.

This UK man ex-wife rape case echoes the 2024 French trial of Gisele Pelicot, who waived anonymity to raise awareness about sexual violence. Wiltshire Police conducted a complex investigation leading to these charges.

Wiltshire Police detective superintendent Geoff Smith described the probe as "complex and extensive" in a December 2025 statement. He noted Joanne Young's decision to waive anonymity.