Victim’s heartache is finally over as evil OAP monster is jailed for 11 years
BY GORDON CURRIE reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk
THE victim of a religious cult rapist yesterday told how jailing the sex beast had set her free to pursue happiness.
Hope Bastine, 41, was instrumental in the conviction of Derek Lincoln, a member of the Children of God group.
Lincoln, who was jailed for 11-and-ahalf years, preyed on his victims who were nine and 10 when he struck.
The 74-year-old committed the crimes at various locations in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire between 1989 and 1996.
He was sentenced yesterday at the High Court in Glasgow having earlier been extradited from France.
The pervert had admitted to raping the children.
Judge Lord Matthews told him: “You sacrificed their dreams for your own perverted desires.”
Hope, who managed to escape the cult in her teens, 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 five 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 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.”
Procurator fiscal for sexual offences, Fraser Gibson, said: “His [Lincoln’s] actions have devastated the lives of his victims.
“However, it is thanks to their courage and strength that he has now been caught and prosecuted.”