Man jailed after being convicted of nine sexual offences including rape of child

A man has been jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of the rape of a child under 13.

Paul Keith Buckland, 35, of Prestonbury Close, Plymouth, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court today (08/09) after being found guilty of:

• Two counts of rape of a child under 13;
• Two counts of attempted raped of a child under 13;
• Two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13;
• One count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child;
• Two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Buckland refused to attend court to hear his sentence and this was considered an aggravating factor.

The offences were committed more than 10 years ago while Buckland was living in Tidworth, but were only reported to Wiltshire Police in 2020.

Buckland was subsequently arrested and charged. He pleaded not guilty to the offences, but was convicted in a trial which culminated on June 30.

He will now face a lengthy spell behind bars and will be required to sign on to the sex offenders’ register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

Investigating officer DC Louise Thomas, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Buckland is an abhorrent individual who committed unspeakable acts to, and in the presence of, a child.

“Actions such as his have long-lasting and traumatic effects on their victims, which can manifest in myriad ways.

“I’d like to commend the victim in speaking to us about her experiences – I understand how difficult it must have been for her and I hope that this sentence can bring some sort of relief, knowing Buckland is behind bars.“This case is a reminder that Wiltshire Police will always investigate reports of sexual assault and child abuse, no matter when the incident took place.

“This incident took place more than a decade ago but didn’t come to light until 2020 when it was bravely reported to us by the victim and her family.

“Please be reassured that the CAIT team here in Wiltshire Police is totally committed to targeting dangerous offenders like Buckland and protecting innocent victims.”

 

If you wish to report concerns regarding child sexual abuse, please call us immediately via 101, regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse.