Derek Lincoln: Scot who used position in 'Children of God' cult to rape and sexually abuse children sentenced

Lincoln was arrested in France in 2019 and extradited to face trial in Scotland.

Derek Lincoln has been sentenced after using his position in a religious cult to rape and sexually abuse children.

He was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to raping and sexually abusing two girls aged between nine and eleven.

His offences took place in the West of Scotland between 1989 and 1991.

The religious cult, Children of God, in which Lincoln used his position to rape young children, was originally founded in America in the late 1960’s and operated in Scottish sites in Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Edinburgh.

Lincoln, 74, was the subject of extensive enquiries by the police after a victim reported the abuse she had suffered to Hertfordshire Constabulary.

After tracing Lincoln’s whereabouts to France, a European Arrest Warrant was sought and granted, and he was extradited to Scotland in 2019 to face trial.

He plead guilty to the rape and sexual assault of two girls and was sentenced at Glasgow High Court.

Detective Sergeant Neil Wilson from Police Scotland’s National Rape Task Force said:

"Lincoln used his position within the Children of God to perpetrate violent sexual abuse against two young children.

“My thoughts continue to remain with the victims and those impacted by Lincoln’s deplorable actions over the many years.

"Thanks to the bravery of the victims in reporting the abuse to police, witness testimonies and the cooperation of international agencies, he is now being forced to face the consequences of his crimes after more than 30 years.

"I hope Lincoln's conviction and sentencing sends a clear message to sexual offenders that time and borders are no barrier to justice. Police Scotland and our partners are committed to bringing perpetrators before the courts.

"We would encourage anyone with information about sexual offences to report this to Police Scotland via 101, where it will be treated with the utmost seriousness."

Hope Bastine, now 41, was abused by Lincoln when she was a child.

In her statement after the sentencing, she said: “Words cannot describe how I feel today after the conclusion of my 16-year fight for justice.

"My childhood and adolescence were cruelly stolen from me by a man who repeatedly abused me within a religious cult which legitimised his actions. By incarcerating my abuser for 11 and a half years, Lord Matthews has set me free. Finally, I can give myself permission to pursue happiness and peace.

"Now, my greatest wish is that other victims of abuse living in silence and shame will see that justice can be done and seek freedom too.

"I could not have walked this challenging road alone. I wish to thank every friend and family member who has stood by me and the incredible Scottish police team who spent the last 5 years engaged in a tireless battle to bring this case to court.

"In particular, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) staff member who conducted the harrowing forensic interviews with the sort of compassion and sensitivity which showed me that a man can be good and true and kind.

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today."

The BBC has reported that Lincoln will be serving his sentence in France.

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