Jury selected for trial of four men accused of sexually assaulting Joanne Young

A jury of 14 people was selected on Monday to hear the trial of four men charged with sexually assaulting Joanne Young, whose former husband, Philip Young, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of abuse against her. The trial is being heard at Winchester Crown Court and is expected to last about four weeks, according to The Guardian.

The panel of 14 comprises eight men and six women, selected at random. The four defendants are Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 32, Richard Wilkins, 62, Norman Macksoni, 48, and Mohammed Hassan, 38. They are accused of sexual offences, which are said to have taken place between summer 2016 and winter 2023.

Philip Young, 50, is named in each count as having committed the alleged offence alongside the other men. He has admitted offences including voyeurism, rape and administering a substance with intent, which the charges describe as taking place over a 13-year period. He was also reported by the BBC to have admitted charges relating to child abuse images. Before his conviction, he had been a Conservative councillor on Swindon borough council, serving from 2007 to 2010.

Joanne Young, who is 48, has waived her right to anonymity, meaning she has agreed to be publicly named in the case. Philip Young is due to be sentenced at the end of the trial.

Mr Justice Saini, the judge, warned the jury panel that the case would involve graphic and sexually explicit images and videos. He asked the panelists to reflect overnight and to raise any concerns on Tuesday morning. He also warned potential jurors not to research the case or discuss it with anyone else.

Sarah Jones KC, a senior barrister known as King's Counsel, is scheduled to open the case on Tuesday.