A former councillor has appeared in court accused of a string of sexual offences against his ex-wife over 13 years.

Philip Young is charged with 56 offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with the intent to stupefy his former spouse, Joanne Young, who has waived her legal right to anonymity.

Appearing at Swindon Magistrates' Court earlier, the 49-year-old - formerly of Swindon but now of Amberley Road in Enfield - confirmed his name and address. He did not enter a plea.

Five other men charged with sexual offences against Ms Young, 48, appeared at the same court, with two pleading not guilty to all charges.

Among the 56 charges, Mr Young - who police described as a white British national - is accused of voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children and possession of extreme images.

Dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans and a black zip-up jumper, he was remanded into custody earlier.

Mr Young served as a Conservative Swindon borough councillor for Covingham and Nythe between 2007 and 2010. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2010 and 2023.

The following men also appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court earlier accused of offences against Ms Young:

• Norman Macksoni, 47, of Wood End Close in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and possession of extreme images. Police described him as a black British national
• Dean Hamilton, 47, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual touching. Police described him as a white British national
• Connor Sanderson Doyle, 31, of Crofton Road in Swindon, is charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching. He did not enter a plea. Police described him as a white British national
• Richard Wilkins, 61, of Tattershall in Toothill, Swindon, is charged with one count of rape and sexual touching. He did not enter a plea. Police described him as a white British national
• Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Torun Way in Swindon, is charged with sexual touching. He did not enter a plea. Police described him as a British Asian male

They were released on bail on the condition they had no contact - direct or indirect - with Ms Young. They were also told to inform Wiltshire Police of any change of address.

All six men are due to appear at Swindon Crown Court for a hearing on 23 January.

Wiltshire Police told the BBC officers are still trying to identify another man in connection with the investigation.

Based on images taken between April and May 2022, he was described as being of a large build, with scarring to the back of his head, prominent lips, a hairy body and a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest. He was also said to be balding with short or shaved hair.

Officers have asked anyone with information about the man to contact police.