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Lucas Peter Sinclair (born 1950 or 1951) 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
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. 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
Sinclair was arrested in February 2016 following allegations of sexual misconduct from female members in his church. His victims were between the ages of 14 and 19. 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. 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.
References
- ^ "Former bishop slapped with long jail terms". South African Police Service. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
- ^ "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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