British justice is investigating one of the most serious cases of sexual abuse in recent years in the county of Wiltshire (southwest of England). Six men, including the victim’s ex-husband, were accused of having committed more than 60 sex crimes against the same woman over 13 years, between 2010 and 2023.
The main accused is Philip Young, a 49-year-old British citizen, against whom the prosecution accuses 56 crimes, including multiple rapes, administration of substances to override the wishes of his ex-wife for sexual purposes, voyeurism and possession of extreme material and sexual images of minors. The arrested man remains in custody and is due to give evidence at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The victim, Joanne Young, 48, decided to waive her legal right to anonymity, an exceptional measure in this type of case. As Wiltshire Police report in a press release, the decision was taken after a long process of support by officers specializing in this type of crime and support services.
Alongside Philip Young, five other men were charged in the case, all for committing sexual crimes against the victim. They are Norman Macksoni (47), accused of rape and possession of extreme images; Dean Hamilton (47), accused of rape and sexual interference; Connor Sanderson Doyle (31), charged with rape and sexual interference; Richard Wilkins (61), accused of rape and sexual interference; and Mohammed Hassan (37), accused of sexual contact. The five were released on bail pending their appearance in court, also on Tuesday.
Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith described the case as a “complex and extensive investigation” and highlighted the victim’s decision to publicly identify herself. For his part, prosecutor James Foster stressed that “There is sufficient evidence to file charges against the accused” and that “it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.” Police are keeping the investigation open and have asked for the public’s cooperation.
This case has similarities with that of Gisèle Pelicotwho crossed borders and shocked all of France after learning that the woman was systematically drugged by her husband, Dominique Pélicot, who abused her with dozens of men for a decade. French police found more than 20,000 videos recorded by her partner in which up to 72 men appear sexually assaulting her.
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