It is better for a girl to be father than by a stranger
to seek them out, even after her ordeal came to light. She said: “He did this not just to me but I believe to many people who put their trust in him as a youth pastor. “I do not believe he stopped doing what captivated his every thought the sick and twisted desires he seemed to believe were OK.” Cordelia, was freed from Donald’s control after her parents divorced. Although she considered reporting him when she turned 18, she didn’t want to hurt his family, who are kind and upstanding. But her experience being a support worker for vulnerable women in 2009 compelled her to act to protect others. With the support of her brothers, she reported Donald to police in Dundee, who instigated an investigation through Interpol. The monster, who by this time was living in England, was extradited after eight years. Three victims went ahead with the case but South African statute of limitations meant one woman’s case was dropped because it involved the lesser charge of sexual assault. After pleading guilty, Donald was sentenced to seven years for crimes against Cordelia and another
I am not broken. He has not won. I feel nothing for him CORDELIA
five for his second victim, which will run concurrently.
Donald is now wheelchair-bound and Cordelia took up an offer to see him in prison, where he wept and apologised to her.
She told him she accepted his apology but was glad he had been locked up.
Cordelia said: “I’ve had counselling and I believe I have mainly dealt with the abuse. I am not broken – he has not won. I feel nothing for him. “He is as much a stranger now as he was the monster in the cupboard when I was a child.
“I hope other people come forward, knowing he is in prison and knowing they will be believed, so they can find a sense of justice.
“Paedophiles don’t just stop when they move to another country. I believe there are other victims, including in the UK.” In a statement, Hatfield Church said they now have strict vetting procedures in place.
They offered “a sincere apology for any further hurt or damage that may have been caused by our handling of the situation”.
They added: “Owing to the time that has lapsed and the fact that those directly involved are either retired or deceased, we are not in a position to speak with any certainty about how the situation was managed.” ● For help with any issues raised in this article, see www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk.