Local News · Swindon
Trial begins for four men accused of sexual offences against former councillor's wife
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Four men have appeared at Winchester Crown Court to face trial on a series of sexual offence charges involving the former wife of an ex-Swindon councillor.
A major trial has commenced at Winchester Crown Court involving four men accused of sexual offences against the former wife of a former Swindon Conservative councillor. The proceedings are expected to last for approximately six weeks.
The men standing trial are accused of various charges relating to the victim, Joanne Young, who has waived her legal right to anonymity. The offences involved in the wider investigation span from 2010 to 2023.
Among those facing the court are Norman Macksoni, of Wood End Close in Sharnbrook, and Richard Wilkins, of Toothill, Swindon. Both have pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one charge of possessing an extreme pornographic image. Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31, of Crofton Road, Swindon, is also on trial having denied charges of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault. Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Torun Way, Swindon, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual touching.
The trial follows a long-running and extensive investigation by Wiltshire Police. Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith confirmed that the victim has been receiving support from specially trained officers throughout the process.
A former Swindon councillor, Philip Young, is not part of this specific trial as he has already entered guilty pleas to 56 charges against his former spouse. In previous hearings, Young admitted to 13 counts of voyeurism, 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy, seven counts of sexual assault by penetration, and four counts of sexual touching. He also pleaded guilty to charges related to indecent and prohibited images of children in July 2024.
Philip Young previously served as a Swindon Borough Councillor for the Covingham and Nythe ward and held a cabinet role overseeing culture, regeneration and economic development until 2010. Another individual, Dean Hamilton, has also admitted to charges of rape and sexual assault against the victim and will not be included in the current trial.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original