Five men who ‘drugged and raped councillor’s wife’ let out for Christmas | UK | News
Five men accused of sexual offenses against Joanne Young have been released on bail over Christmas. The group was granted conditional bail after being accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a former councillor’s wife over 13 years. The men entered the dock at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on December 23 along with another man, Philip Young, who is accused of a string of offenses against his 48-year-old ex-wife, allegedly occurring over a 13-year period between 2010 and 2023.
Prosecutors allege the former Conservative councilor and five men attacked Ms Young while she was drugged. Mr Young is charged with 56 offences, including multiple rapes and drugging his ex-wife. He was remanded in custody to appear at Swindon Crown Court on January 23 and the other defendants were bailed to appear with him on the same date.
Norman Macksoni and Dean Hamilton, both 47, and Richard Wilkins, 61, were each charged with one count of rape in connection with the case.
Connor Sanderson Doyle, 31, of Crofton Road, Swindon, was charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching. Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Torun Way, Swindon, is charged with sexual touching.
Macksoni, of Wood End Close, Sharnbrook, and Hamilton, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to the offences, while Sanderson Doyle, Hassan and Wilkins did not enter a plea.
The five men were released on bail on condition they not contact Ms Young and report any change of address to police.
Prosecutor Keith Ballinger told the court all the crimes were “inextricably linked”.
“Four of them face indictable-only offences,” he told Judge Martin Clarke.
“Mr. Hassan has guilt both ways, but it is inextricably linked to these other cases and to the one you are looking at this morning.”
Addressing the defendants, Mr Clarke told them their cases would be sent together to the crown court.
“Some of you, other than Mr Hassan, are only facing indictable charges, which means they can only go to the crown court,” he said. “Mr. Hassan, you have not singled out any indication but (your accusations) are linked to everyone else’s accusations.
“You will all be released on conditional bail,” Mr Clarke added. “These conditions are that you have no direct or indirect contact with Joanne Young.”
The court heard they must also notify Wiltshire Police of any change of address.
They, along with Joanne Young’s ex-husband Philip, will appear at Swindon Crown Court on January 23, 2026.
