DEREK LINCOLN FROM RENFREWSHIRE EXTRADITED FROM FRANCE AND CONVICTED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN GLASGOW
In August 2020, Derek Lincoln, a 74-year-old man from Renfrewshire, was sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow.This significant legal action followed his extradition from France, where he had been detained prior to his court appearance.
Lincoln's criminal activities came to light after a lengthy and complex international police investigation that spanned over five years.
The investigation uncovered disturbing details about his involvement in a notorious paedophile ring known as the 'Children of God,' a cult with roots that reportedly extended into various parts of Scotland, including Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and Edinburgh.
In July 2020, Lincoln admitted to the heinous crimes of raping and sexually assaulting two young girls.
The victims were aged 9 and 11 at the time of the assaults, which occurred between 1989 and 1991.
His guilty plea was entered during a hearing at Glasgow High Court, marking a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims and the wider community.
The 'Children of God' cult, which originated in the United States in the late 1960s, was notorious for its involvement in various forms of child abuse and exploitation.
Evidence suggests that the cult operated at multiple sites across Scotland, including Renfrewshire, where Lincoln was believed to have been involved.
Lincoln's extradition from France in 2019 was carried out under a European Arrest Warrant, allowing authorities to bring him back to the UK to face justice.
His sentencing is scheduled to take place at a later date, during which the court will determine the length of his imprisonment and any additional penalties.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat child abuse and bring perpetrators to justice, regardless of their location or the duration of their crimes.
