A PERVERTED beast from a paedophile cult which had links to Renfrewshire has admitted to raping and sexually assaulting two young children.

Derek Lincoln, 74, pleaded guilty yesterday at Glasgow High Court to the perverted crimes following a five-year international police operation.

The pensioner was extradited from France in 2019 on a European Arrest warrant for his involvement in the ‘Children of God’ religious cult.

It was alleged he was responsible for the rape and sexual assaults on a number of female children.

Yesterday, he pleaded guilty to the vile sex attacks on two young female children aged 9 and 11 between the years of 1989 and 1991.

It is understood the warped 'Children of God' paedophile cult began in the USA in the late 1960s, and operated at Scottish sites in Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Edinburgh.

Lincoln is due to be sentenced at a later date.

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.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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