Disgraced church pastor who sexually abused women appeals sentence over claims of ‘campaign’ against him

A disgraced church pastor who was jailed for sexually abusing women is appealing his conviction, claiming people “came together and conspired” against him.

Walter Masocha, a religious leader who claimed to work miracles and speak directly to God, was convicted of four charges in Livingston Superior Court in July 2025.

The offenses were committed between January 2006 and July 2012 in relation to the sexual abuse of two women in Stirling and Edinburgh.

Jailing him, the judge said he took advantage of his position and acted like an “opportunistic sexual predator”.

Police described his crimes as “disgusting”.

In the Court of Appeal on Thursday, Masocha’s lawyer, Mark Moir KC, argued a miscarriage of justice at Masocha’s hearing when his Section 275 application was not granted.

A Section 275 application allows evidence regarding the complainant’s sexual history or character to be heard in court.

Mr Moir also said a “campaign has been launched against the appellant by a former witness and is urging people to come forward”.

He said Masocha believed the complainants “came together and conspired against him”.

Mr Moir also objected to Masocha’s 10-year prison sentence, saying it was “excessive in all the circumstances”.

The appeal, opposed by prosecutors, will be considered by a panel of three judges, including Lord Beckett.

Judge Craig, who handed down his sentence for Masocha in July 2025, said Masocha had abused the trust of his victims.

He said: “You sexually harassed both of them in what can only be described as the ultimate breach of trust on your part.

“You claim to be a religious leader who speaks directly to God and upholds the highest standards of integrity.

“But in reality, you are nothing more than an opportunistic sexual predator who indiscriminately takes advantage of those who should trust you most.”

He continued: “(The victims) varied in age, background and experience, but the common denominator was that they worshiped you – literally – they believed you were a prophet who could work miracles, and they had complete faith in you.

“You have told your victims that they were given to you by God, that your hands and lips are sacred, and that they are blessed to have been touched by you.

“It was this belief that gave you access, but you took sexual advantage of them however and whenever you wanted.”