A 74-year old man has admitted raping and sexually assaulting two young girls while in a religious cult.
Derek Lincoln, who belonged to the notorious Children of God organisation, plead guilty to carrying out sexual offences against two children at Glasgow's High Court yesterday.
The pensioner was extradited from France last year on a European arrest warrant for his involvement in the sick group.
Lincoln was arrested by Police Scotland on October 8, 2019, following a five-year international investigation.
Yesterday, he admitted the vile sex attacks on two girls, aged nine and 11, between 1989 and 1991 in Scotland.
He will be sentenced at a later date.
The Children of God organisation began in the USA in the late 1960s.
The cult, which supported "free love" and the strict discipline of children, operated at sites in Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Edinburgh.
It taught that "God is love, love is sex and God's love shall not be restricted by age or relationship."
Detective Sergeant Neil Wilson from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division National Rape Task Force said:
“The arrest of Derek Lincoln followed a five year complex investigation involving partnership working both nationally and internationally.
“My thoughts continue to remain with the victims and those impacted by Lincoln’s actions over many years. Thanks to the bravery of them coming forward and reporting to us, he will now face the consequences of his actions.
"We remain committed to bringing sexual offenders before the courts and treat all reports of sexual crime with the utmost seriousness. Anyone wishing to report such offences should do so to Police Scotland via 101."
An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: “Cases such as this show that, however much time has passed, victims of child sexual abuse will be listened to when they speak out, crimes will be investigated and justice can be achieved.
“The impact of such abuse can be profound and long-lasting and it crucial that victims receive all the support they need to help them recover.”
