A former University of Stirling lecturer has been jailed for 10 years after sexually assaulting a woman under the guise of “removing demons”.
Walter Masocha, 61, claimed he was a “gift from God” whilst groping the woman at his home in Stirling.
The former accountancy lecturer was also found to have sexually assaulted and attempted to rape another woman who was staying with the family at the time.
The assaults happened between January 2006 and July 2012.
Masocha’s employment at the University ended on December 31, 2007- the same year he founded his own church in Scotland.
The Agape for All Nations Church is an international religious organisation with more than 2,000 members.
Masocha is the self-appointed archbishop of the church. One victim said church members refer to him as “Daddy” or “Dad” and see him as a paternal figure.
The pastor was previously found guilty of assaulting a church deaconess, as well as putting his hand down the trousers of a schoolgirl whilst saying he was removing demons.
However, the convictions were not upheld by the appeal court.
The deaconess has since left the church, describing it as a “cult” and she had been “brainwashed” by Masocha.
Judge Susan Craig called the recent attacks “appalling” during the High Court trial in Livingston.
She added it was likely that Mascoha’s name would appear on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Detective Sergeant David Brown said: “Masocha’s abhorrent actions have caused lasting harm, and he will now be held to account for them in prison.
“We hope this sentencing provides the women affected with some sense of closure and helps them in moving forward with their lives.
“I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to report it. Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, and support will be provided by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”
Featured image credit: Police Scotland
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