Lucas Peter Sinclair
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Lucas Peter Sinclair (born 1950 or 1951)[1] is a South African former bishop who served as a religious leader in Westenburg for over three decades. In 2019, he was convicted of multiple charges of indecent and sexual assault.
Career
[edit]Sinclair became a prominent figure in the Westenburg area of Polokwane, South Africa, where he served as a bishop in the Bethel Church for over 30 years. He was a trusted member of the church.[2] Sinclair took over one of the churches established by A. G. Louton upon Louton's death in 1985, claiming it had been left to him. However, a lack of clarity in Louton's will caused a prominent dispute between Sinclair and the Louton family, including his son Edgar.
Legal issues
[edit]Sinclair was arrested in February 2016 following allegations of sexual misconduct from female members in his church.[3] His victims were between the ages of 14 and 19.[1] He was released on a R5000 bail. Sinclair was later charged with three counts of sexual assault, three counts of indecent assaults and an attempted sexual assault; he pleaded not guilty to all charges.[2] His trial commenced on March 3, 2017. Sinclair was found guilty on November 5, 2019 and sentenced to 24 years of imprisonment for all charges.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Former bishop slapped with long jail terms". South African Police Service. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
- ^ a b "Bishop Sinclair says he's not guilty". Polokwane Observer. 8 March 2017. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
- ^ "Bishop Sinclair found guilty of indecent assault". Polokwane Observer. 8 November 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
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