Jury considers verdict in wife sex abuse trial

A jury has retired to consider its verdict in the case of four men on trial for the abuse of a woman who was advertised by her husband on the internet for sex.

Norman Macksoni, 48, Richard Wilkins, 62, Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 32, and Mohammed Hassan, 38, are on trial at Winchester Crown Court after all four pleading not guilty to sexual offences against Joanne Young.

They are charged jointly with her ex-husband Philip Young, 50, a former Conservative councillor, who has admitted drugging and raping his wife over 13 years.

Young has pleaded guilty to a total of 56 charges including multiple counts of rape, making and possessing indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography.

Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC told the court previously that Young had drugged his then-wife before advertising her on online forums, presenting it "as a kink for both of them".

Jurors were told he had placed 20 adverts on Craigslist as well as other sites including Grindr and Fab Swingers inviting men to have sex with his wife.

The judge, Mr Justice Saini, told the jury not to be biased against the four defendants because Young had pleaded guilty to the "terrible acts" he had committed against his wife.

A sixth defendant, Dean Hamilton, 47, of Street, Somerset, has admitted one charge of assault by penetration, two of sexual assault and one of rape.

• If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, you can visit the BBC Action Line for information and support

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.