A former Tory councillor from Swindon has admitted drugging and raping his wife.
Philip Young, 49, who now lives in Enfield, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on 23 January – where he admitted 48 sexual offences against his now-ex-partner Joanne Young.
He admitted 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower to allow sexual activity, 14 counts of voyeurism, seven counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault and one count of publishing an obscene article.
He pleaded not guilty to making indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images of children and possessing extreme pornographic images.
Those matters will proceed to trial, which is scheduled to take place on 5 October.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith, of Wiltshire Police, said: “I welcome today’s guilty plea from Philip Young, who has admitted dozens of serious sexual offences against Jo.
“I want to pay tribute to her for her incredible bravery throughout this process and she continues to be supported by specially trained officers.
“I’d also like to commend the investigation team for their relentless hard work in getting the case to this stage and thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their support in ensuring Young faces justice for his abhorrent actions.
“As the wider case is now continuing through the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
James Foster, Specialist Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Philip Young has today pleaded guilty to 48 serious sexual offences committed against his former wife, Joanne Young.
“We worked closely with Wiltshire Police to build a thorough and compelling case that resulted in him pleading guilty to dozens of offences today.”
Several other defendants also appeared before the court in connection with related matters.
Norman Macksoni, aged 47, of Wood End Close, Sharnbrook, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and possession of extreme images.
Dean Hamilton, aged 47, of no fixed abode, was not arraigned but has been charged with one count of rape, assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.
Connor Sanderson Doyle, aged 31, of Crofton Road, Swindon, pleaded not guilty to assault by penetration and sexual assault.
Richard Wilkins, aged 61, of Tattershall, Toothill, Swindon, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and sexual assault.
Mohammed Hassan, aged 37, of Torun Way, Swindon, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
