Saturday, 31 October 2026 Updated 27 min ago
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Two men on trial say they did not know woman was drugged

Four men are on trial for sexually assaulting Joanne Young, who has waived her right to anonymity.

Image accompanying the story: Two men on trial say they did not know woman was drugged
Image: Composite: PA · via The Guardian

Four men are on trial for sexually assaulting Joanne Young, who has waived her right to anonymity. The Guardian reported that two of the defendants said they met the couple through online advertisements and a swinging website, and insisted they had no idea the wife had been drugged.

One of the accused described himself as a young man “trying out things” and said he was unaware that Young was being drugged when he was invited to the couple’s home. He added that he did not know she was restrained and blindfolded during the assault.

Young was allegedly drugged by her husband for years, allowing the abuse to continue. The defendants’ statements suggest they believed the encounter was consensual, based on the online arrangement, and claim ignorance of the drugging.

Why it matters

The case highlights how drugging can undermine consent and raises questions about the responsibility of participants who meet through online platforms.

Key details

Location
United Kingdom · Europe
Reported by
The Guardian
First reported
Key names
Joanne Young
Section
World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

Read the full story at The Guardian

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