Man Accused of Drugging Wife for Sex Claims He Thought Snoring Was 'Role-Playing'

A man accused of raping a wife advertised for sex online told a court he heard her snoring but believed it was part of a "role-playing" scenario, according to reports.

Philip Young has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of drugging and sexually abusing his wife, Joanne Young, over a 13-year period at their home in Swindon, Wiltshire. Four other men are currently on trial at Winchester Crown Court facing charges related to offenses against Mrs. Young, who has waived her right to anonymity.

Richard Wilkins, 62, from Swindon, has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one of assault by penetration in July 2016. Wilkins, a former taxi driver, told the court that he responded to an advertisement placed on Craigslist by Philip Young. He stated that upon approaching Mrs. Young, who was allegedly blindfolded and shackled in bed, he heard a snoring sound that he interpreted as part of the advertised role-play.

"I considered this was still part of the role-playing scenario that I was acting out," Wilkins testified. He explained that he assumed Mrs. Young must have been awake or had woken up, as such a situation would likely rouse someone. He further stated that as the encounter progressed, Mrs. Young stopped snoring and began making sounds he interpreted as "moaning or groaning of enjoyment," also wrapping her legs around him.

Wilkins claimed he did not suspect Mrs. Young had been drugged or was intoxicated, citing the absence of drug paraphernalia in the room and no smell of alcohol from either Mr. or Mrs. Young. "I believed she was consenting," he told the court, adding that if he had any inkling otherwise, he would have contacted the police.

Wilkins also testified that he was seeking companionship at the time following a "rough divorce" and was trying to regain his confidence.

Norman Macksoni, 48, of Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, has denied one count of rape. Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 32, has denied sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching. Mohammed Hassan, 38, has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual touching.

Philip Young, 50, has admitted to a total of 56 charges. A sixth defendant, Dean Hamilton, 47, of Street, Somerset, has pleaded guilty to one charge of assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of rape. Hamilton's sentencing will occur after the conclusion of the ongoing trial.