In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, a man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman who was also subjected to years of drugging and rape by her former husband, a one-time Conservative councillor. Dean Hamilton, 47, from Compton Dundon in Somerset, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, where he admitted one count of rape, one count of assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual assault against Joanne Young, 48.
Details of the Guilty Plea and Bail
Joanne Young has waived her right to anonymity, allowing her name to be used in reports. Hamilton was granted conditional bail following his plea, with sentencing scheduled for a later date, according to a statement from Wiltshire Police. This development adds another layer to a complex and harrowing series of events involving multiple defendants.
Background on the Ex-Husband's Crimes
Last month, Philip Young, 49, a former Tory councillor for Swindon Borough Council from 2007 to 2010, pleaded guilty to nearly 50 offences related to drugging, raping, and sexually assaulting his former wife, Joanne Young. His resignation from the council in May 2010 was attributed to a desire to focus on family and business, as reported by the Swindon Advertiser at the time.
Young, who was born in Enfield, north London, in June 1976 and graduated from the University of Westminster in 1998, has since been involved in various business ventures, most recently serving as chief operating officer at Pracedo, a consultancy firm. He had previously made headlines in September 2009 for delivering his son at home when his wife went into labour.
Other Defendants and Pending Trial
In addition to Hamilton and Philip Young, four other individuals have been charged with various sexual offences against Joanne Young, including rape and sexual assault. All four have pleaded not guilty. Connor Sanderson Doyle, 31, of Swindon, denies sexual assault and assault by penetration; Norman Macksoni, 47, of Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, denies rape and possessing an extreme pornographic image; Richard Wilkins, 61, of Toothill, Swindon, denies assault by penetration and rape; and Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Swindon, denies sexual assault.
Philip Young has also pleaded not guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possession of prohibited images, and four counts of possessing extreme pornographic images. A trial for Young and the four other defendants is set to take place at Winchester Crown Court in October.
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities are continuing their investigation and have issued an appeal for help in identifying another man wanted in connection with the case. He is described as having a large build, scarring on the back of his head, and a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest. Police urge anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing inquiries.
This case highlights serious issues of sexual violence and abuse, with multiple perpetrators involved. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold further as the trial approaches, shedding more light on the full extent of the crimes committed against Joanne Young.
