Women lured victims to 'guru', rape trial told

Michael Lyons, who used the name Mohan Singh, surrounded himself with "young, charming" women who told others that he could change their lives.

He is accused of taking advantage of "vulnerable" people, plying them with drinks and creating a cult-like atmosphere.

Under the pretext of health treatment he would give his victims acupuncture or massage before raping or sexually assaulting them. Lyons, 52, from Brondesbury Park in Kilburn, north London, even persuaded one of the women, who was mentally ill, that she had been sexually abused by her parents.

Prosecutor Philip Katz QC told Wood Green Crown Court: "He is a sexual predator masquerading as a guru and a healer.

"He has for many years now been at the centre of a group of followers, overwhelmingly women, some of whom have been part of his circle for many years."

The prosecution alleged it operated as a kind of cult and victims were drawn in, reassured by the presence of other females.

Lyons is accused of five counts of rape, two of sexual assault by touching and one by penetration committed on seven women between 1998 and 2008.

It is claimed that Lyons attacked six of the victims in London and another one in Manchester.

The trial continues.