A man on trial for allegedly raping a woman drugged by her husband claims he mistook her snoring for part of a role-playing scenario, Winchester Crown Court heard.
Philip Young has pleaded guilty to numerous charges of drugging and sexually abusing his wife, Joanne Young, over a 13-year period. Four other men are also on trial, accused of sexually abusing Mrs. Young, who has waived her right to anonymity.
Richard Wilkins, 62, of Toothill, Swindon, Wiltshire, denies one count of rape and one of assault by penetration, both alleged to have occurred in July 2016. Wilkins, a former taxi driver, told the court he responded to an advertisement placed on Craigslist by Philip Young.
Wilkins stated that upon approaching Mrs. Young, who was reportedly shackled and blindfolded, he heard a snoring noise. He testified that he believed this was part of the role-playing activity advertised by Mr. Young. He thought Mrs. Young must have been awake or would wake up, as he assumed any sleeping person would react to someone entering their bed.
According to Wilkins, as he began to have sex with Mrs. Young, the snoring stopped, and she began making sounds he interpreted as "moaning or groaning of enjoyment," while wrapping her legs around him. Wilkins also said he did not suspect Mrs. Young had been drugged or was intoxicated, citing the absence of drug paraphernalia and no smell of alcohol from either Mr. or Mrs. Young. He maintained he believed she was consenting and would have contacted the police if he had any inkling otherwise.
Wilkins further explained that he was seeking companionship following a difficult divorce and was trying to regain his confidence.
Also on trial are Norman Macksoni, 48, of Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, who denies one count of rape; Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 32, of Swindon, who denies sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching; and Mohammed Hassan, 38, also of Swindon, who denies one count of sexual touching of Mrs. Young.
Philip Young, 50, has pleaded guilty to a total of 56 charges. A sixth defendant, Dean Hamilton, 47, of Street, Somerset, has admitted to one charge of assault by penetration, two of sexual assault, and one of rape. The sentencing for these defendants will occur after the conclusion of the ongoing trial.