A councillor has been found guilty of sexual assault.

Hertsmere borough councillor David Burcombe, 74, who represents the Cowley Hill Ward, Borehamwood, was convicted of one count of sexual assault that happened in September, 2015.

At a trial at St Albans Crown Court yesterday, the judge ruled another alleged assault in July, 2015, should not be included.

In the attack in September, Cllr Burcombe was at an event at a church with the victim and dignitaries including the then mayor.

According to prosecutor Archie Mckay, Cllr Burcombe approached the woman from behind and placed his hand on her buttocks.

He then began stroking them and when she turned around smiled at her with a grin that made her feel “uncomfortable”.

The victim left the event without warning anyone as she did not want to ruin the event, the court heard.

The woman spoke to a number of people telling them what had happened, but it was not until December that she reported the assault to the police.

During the trial one of the witnesses said he saw Cllr Burcombe talking to the victim and when she walked away he was concerned about her.

In the July incident, Cllr Burcombe approached the same woman and kissed her on the cheek, which the victim described as “unpleasant”.

The court heard, the victim described the kiss as “sloppy” and said it left saliva on her cheek.

In mitigation, Philip Levey said the kiss happened two days after the sudden death of Cllr Burcombe’s partner and people were paying their condolences.

During the trial at St Albans Crown Court, Judge Dennis QC decided this should not be included as there was a lack of sufficient evidence to say it was a sexual act.

Cath Shepherd, of Hertsmere Borough Council communications team, said the nature of the sentencing will determine whether Cllr Burcombe can remain as an elected member of this council.

Cllr Burcombe is to appear at St Albans Crown Court on August 5 for sentencing. He is on bail until that date.