Sexual predator jailed for 10 years

A "sexual predator masquerading as a guru and healer" accused of raping a young New Zealand woman, has been jailed for 10 years in Britain.

Michael Lyons of Kilburn, north London, was convicted of one rape and one assault charge, after being accused of attacking seven young women between 1998 and 2008, the BBC reported.

He was also made the subject of a sexual offences prevention order which bars him from touching any female he has known for less than six months, and was placed on the British sex offenders register for life.

One of the women who gave evidence, a 23-year-old dancer from New Zealand, told the jury at Wood Green Crown Court, North London, that a friend introduced her to "Mohan Singh" in January 2005 because she had been feeling homesick.

Her friend said Lyons had helped a lot of girls feel better "by changing their energy and things like that".

He had created a tight-knit group described as a cult, and claimed to be a naturopath skilled in osteopathy, acupuncture and nutrition, with homes in London, Los Angeles and Miami.

Detective Sergeant Nicholas Giles, who led the investigation of Lyons for three years, said: "We heard in evidence that Lyons used a programme of sleep deprivation, psychological harassment as well as group social pressure. He sexually assaulted victims during this process."

Eleven women from New Zealand, Britain and the United States gave evidence against Lyons, who denied all the offences.

Judge Nicholas Browne said Lyons' method of using predominantly female gatherings of followers made women entering the group feel artificially safe.

Lyons was acquitted of three rapes and a sexual assault. A further rape and sexual assault remain on file.

The New Zealander said Lyons "gave her a lot of attention" and at the home of several of Lyons' female followers, he went round "giving back rubs" to the women, the Daily Mail reported earlier in the trial.

When the witness said she wanted a shower, Lyons suggested she could do it at his house, where he ran the shower and then got into it with her to use some special soap. "He was turning me around at certain points. I remember thinking it was quite strange."

He persuaded her to lie on his bed, and began rubbing her breasts.

"He said he could make my breasts better with the right sort of treatment ... he said he could heal my body inside and out." Lyons then climbed on top of her and had sex with her, the court was told.

She made a break for freedom after receiving a text from her boyfriend telling her to escape.

- NZPA