A former councillor has appeared in court accused of a string of sexual offences against his ex-wife over a 13-year period.
Philip Young, 49, is charged with 56 offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with intent to stupefy his former spouse Joanne Young.
Mr Young, formerly of Swindon but now living in Enfield, spoke only to confirm his name and address at Swindon Magistrates’ Court.
A total of six men have been charged with offences against Ms Young, 48, who has waived her legal right to anonymity.
Mr Young served as a Conservative councillor on Swindon Borough Council between 2007 and 2010.
He was remanded into custody earlier and is next due to appear at Swindon Crown Court for a hearing on 23 January.
The other five defendants – Norman Macksoni, 47, Dean Hamilton, 47, Conner Sanderson Doyle, 31, Richard Wilkins, 61, and Mohammed Hassan, 37 – are on bail.
