A sexual abuse victim has spoken out after her abuser was sentenced to 11 years and six months in jail. 

Derek Lincoln, 74, was sentenced after pleading guilty to the historic rape and sexual assaults of two young girls today at the High Court in Glasgow. 

The children were abused at addresses in Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire from the ages of nine and 11 between 1989 and 1996.

READ MORE: Children of God member jailed for rape of two young girls

Hope Bastine revealed she felt freed by the sentence. 

She wrote in a statement: "Words cannot describe how I feel today after the conclusion of my 16-year fight for justice.

"My childhood and adolescence were cruelly stolen from me by a man who repeatedly abused me within a religious cult which legitimised his actions.

"By incarcerating my abuser for 11 and a half years, Lord Matthews has set me free. Finally, I can give myself permission to pursue happiness and peace."

She encouraged other abuse victims to seek justice and freedom. 

"Now, my greatest wish is that other victims of abuse living in silence and shame will see that justice can be done and seek freedom too.

"I could not have walked this challenging road alone. I wish to thank every friend and family member who has stood by me and the incredible Scottish police team who spent the last 5 years engaged in a tireless battle to bring this case to court. 

"In particular, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) staff member who conducted the harrowing forensic interviews with the sort of compassion and sensitivity which showed me that a man can be good and true and kind.

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today."

Derek Lincoln was also placed on the sex offenders list indefinitely.