JOHN WILSON

PREACHER JOHN WILSON, 70, JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE UNDER THE GUISE OF EXORCISM

A church minister named John Wilson, aged 70, was sentenced to 21 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing six women under the guise of exorcising demons while serving at the Liberty Pentecostal Church in Keighley.

The court heard he concealed his actions behind a facade of religious piety, carrying out his offenses during so-called deliverance sessions intended to extract demons from his victims.

Wilson was found guilty of indecent assault, while his wife was convicted of aiding and abetting him and was sentenced to a 22-month jail term, suspended for two years.

The offences took place over a period from 1984 to 2010 and involved women seeking spiritual comfort.

Judge David Hatton QC described Wilson and his wife as 'false prophets' and 'wolves in sheep's clothing,' stating that Wilson had effectively 'brain-washed' the women, making them believe they were possessed by spirits.

Wilson's abuse included acts like holding down a victim during the assault and covering another’s face with a pillow.

The court heard that Wilson's victims, who trusted him for help, were vulnerable and were exploited.

The judge criticized Wilson’s tactics, saying he used his religious role to hide his misconduct during sessions meant to help, not harm, the victims.