Prosecuting a prolific abuser
Case study from Wessex
Specialist Prosecutor, Wessex Complex Casework Unit
“When Wiltshire Police and the CPS began investigating Philip Young, the CPS was closely involved in advising on the case. We faced an extraordinary challenge: we knew far more about what had happened to his former wife, Joanne Young, than she did herself. Over a prolonged period, he had drugged and raped her, filming the abuse without her knowledge. The evidence also revealed that he had arranged for other men to abuse her while she was stupefied, and that images from the abuse were shared online on hundreds of occasions.
“I worked closely with the police investigation team, piecing together distressing evidence and advising on lines of enquiry to build the strongest possible case from the outset and prove the severity of Young’s crimes.
“After carefully reviewing all the evidence, I authorised 56 charges against Young. I drafted a complex indictment - the document setting out the charges for trial - which helped strengthen our case.
“I decided to pursue additional charges for making and possessing indecent images of child abuse. Although these would likely not have increased the sentence, those images depict real children who were abused, and it was right that their suffering was properly recognised by the court.
“When the judge suggested that the additional charges for the child abuse images should not be proceeded as they would not impact the sentence, I argued against this. I’m particularly proud that we secured convictions for these offences. These convictions will also go on Young’s criminal record, properly reflecting his criminal profile, and inform how the police manage his risk to other potential victims when he is eventually released.
“The compelling case we built with the police resulted in Young pleading guilty in January 2026 to 48 serious sexual offences against Joanne and eight charges relating to indecent images in May.
“Throughout this process, Joanne’s courage has been truly remarkable. Cases like this show what dedicated, thorough prosecution work can achieve”.
James Foster
Specialist Prosecutor, Wessex Complex Casework Unit