Brit spiritual 'Guru' raised in Indian ashram, convicted of rape, sexual assault

London, July 27 (ANI): A spiritual 'Guru' Michael Lyons, alias Mohan Singh, who claims to have been raised in an Indian ashram, has been convicted of rape and sexual assault by the Wood Green Crown Court. He has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in Britain.

Eleven women from the UK, the US and New Zealand gave evidence against Lyons, who denied all offences.

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."

According to the BBC, he has been made the subject of a sexual offences prevention order, which stops him from touching any female he has known for less than six months. He has also been placed on the 'sex offenders' register for life.

Lyons attacked two women who came to him for spiritual guidance.

He had created a tight-knit group described as a 'cult' made up predominantly of female followers.

However, during his four-month trial, he did not give evidence, but called 50 witnesses in his defence, many of whom were his followers. Some of them claimed that he could cure cancer while another woman said that he has an X-ray vision.

Lyons, who wore flowing crimson and yellow robes, led a ­lavish lifestyle. He owned flats in London, Los Angeles and Miami and drove Bentleys and Jaguars.

He even claimed he was the Dalai Lama's osteopath. (ANI)