The four month trial resulted in Lyons being convicted of one count of rape and one of assault by penetration. In addition to the term of imprisonment he was placed on the sexual offenders register for life and made the subject of a sexual offences prevention order which stops him from touching (in connection with treatment) any female he has known for less than six months.
Philip Katz QC had told the jury that Lyons “… was a sexual predator masquerading as a guru and healer” and that for many years he had “…been at the centre of a group of followers, overwhelmingly women, some of whom had been part of his circle for many years.” The prosecution alleged that the group was operating as a kind of cult. The victims of the offences were women who were introduced to Lyons by women friends, and who had been reassured by the presence of the many other women around him.
To read more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10770395