Rape Accused Claimed Victim's Husband Said She Would 'Pretend to Be Asleep'

Richard Wilkins, 62, is currently on trial at Winchester Crown Court, facing charges of rape and assault by penetration. He is one of four men accused of committing sexual offenses against Joanne Young, who alleges she was drugged and raped by Philip Young over a 13-year period in their Swindon home. Wilkins testified that he responded to a Craigslist advertisement in 2016, believing it was posted by the couple seeking a third person. However, the court heard the advert was placed by Philip Young alone.

Wilkins, who worked as a taxi driver at the time, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He told the court that the advertisement suggested the couple were seeking a man for one of Joanne Young's fantasies, involving being tied and blindfolded, and that the encounter should be anonymous. Wilkins stated that Philip Young informed him his wife might be intoxicated. "Maybe she has had a drink, she pretends to sleep and if you get her going she might respond," Wilkins recalled Young saying.

Before meeting, Wilkins said he exchanged photos with Philip Young after being told Joanne Young requested them. He also recalled asking to speak with Joanne Young directly, but Philip Young informed him she was busy and conveyed that she was "looking forward to having you." Wilkins told the court he got the impression the couple's request was genuine and that Philip Young seemed confident in their experience and comfort with the arrangement.

Previous testimony revealed that Philip Young placed numerous advertisements on various online platforms, including Craigslist, Grindr, and Fab Swingers, inviting men to have sex with his wife. One advertisement allegedly stated the intent was to "quietly use her body" and that any vocalization could reveal the participant's identity. Philip Young has admitted to 48 offenses against his ex-wife, including voyeurism, rape, administering a substance with intent, assault by penetration, and sexual assault. He also pleaded guilty to charges related to indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography. Dean Hamilton, 47, a sixth defendant, has admitted to charges including assault by penetration, sexual assault, and rape. Philip Young and Hamilton are scheduled to be sentenced following the conclusion of the trial.