An Isle of Wight man, and former Andover town councillor, has been jailed for 15 years for raping and sexually assaulting a child. 

Adam Buckenham, 47, of York Road, Ventnor, appeared in Salisbury Crown Court on Friday, July 14, after he was found guilty of eight counts of rape and three counts of assault by penetration.

The court heard that the victim, who must remain anonymous for legal reasons, was groomed by Buckenham.

The victim told the defence when questioned during the trial that she was not willing to engage in the sexual activities and she only agreed to it only because she was scared of him.

Isle of Wight County Press: Adam Buckenham.Adam Buckenham. (Image: Andover Advertiser)

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the victim said she suffers severe PTSD, anxiety and depression as a result of Buckenham's actions.

In 2019 Buckenham, was elected during a by-election to Andover Town Council as an independent councillor.

Judge Andrew Barnett described Buckenham's offences as "ghastly" and that his actions were "devastating" to the victim.

Addressing Buckenham during sentencing, Judge Barnett said: "You present a high risk of causing serious harm to children. You present a significant risk of causing serious harm by committing other offences."

He added that the offences are of "such severity" that he is able to upgrade the starting point of the custodial sentence imposed upon Buckenham.

Judge Barnett said Buckenham caused the complainant “severe psychological harm” and there was a "degree of planning" involved.

Buckenham was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years, when he can be subject for release and the remaining time on his sentence - five years - would be served on license.