A FORMER Andover town councillor has been jailed for 20 years for raping and sexually assaulting a child. 

Adam Buckenham, 47, 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.

Read more: ​Former Andover councillor found guilty of sexually abusing a child

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.

Andover Advertiser: 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.

SEE ALSO: ​Adam Buckenham: Child sex abuse trial delayed for second time

In 2019 Buckenham, now of York Road in Ventnor, was elected during a by-election to Andover Town Council for the Downlands Ward as an independent councillor.

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

READ ALSO: ​Andover drink driver disqualified from driving for 18 months

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 20 years imprisonment, for which he must serve two-thirds of before he can be subject for release.

If he is released the remaining time on his sentence will be served on license.