Australia 'holy man' jailed for sex crimes
2011-05-06 12:00
Sydney - A "holy man" who lured women into having sex with him to rid themselves of black magic curses they thought would cause death in their families was on Friday jailed in Australia for at least 15 years.
Tony Golossian, aged 63, seen by some in Sydney's Greek community as a holy man who could communicate with angels, was sentenced for 24 offences relating to the rapes of two women after being found guilty last December.
Co-accused Arthur Psichogios,aged 41, was jailed for at least 12 years and his wife Frances Psichogios, aged 38, who was convicted over the drugging and assault of one victim, was sent to prison for five years.
The charges relate to two victims who were told black magic curses had been placed on them and were forced into sex "prayer sessions" to free themselves.
The judge said the emotional harm caused to both women was "substantial", Australian Associated Press reported.
She said the first victim, who suffered a "terrible ordeal" over four and a half years, had been "cruelly manipulated into bizarre behaviour" and in effect "brainwashed".
The offenders all maintained their innocence.
The sentencing took place in a Sydney court surrounded by riot police after the officer in charge of the case was attacked, allegedly by a relative of one of the defendants, following the conviction hearing.
