A FOREST councillor has been charged with rape and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

District councillor Ian Whitburn, 59, of Newland Street, Coleford, appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (December 21).

He has been charged with eight counts of rape and one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

Whitburn has been released on unconditional bail and is due to appear before Crown Court on January 20, 2022.