Cult leader 'was blackmailed by daughter'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE LEADER of a 'weird and bizarre' cult was blackmailed by his daughter, who threatened to tell newspapers that he physically and sexually abused her and other children, a jury was told yesterday.
Rebecca Teacher, now 18, told police she and other children were treated like slaves at the cult commune near Bangor in North Wales, the Old Bailey was told. She said her father, Kevin O'Byrne, now 55, forced children to beat each other up. He also beat the children with curtain rails or horse whips.
David Bate, for the prosecution, alleged that Ms Teacher and her stepfather, William Webb, carried out a blackmail campaign last year. He said Ms Teacher told police she demanded between pounds 40,000 and pounds 60,000 from her father after failing to sue him for damage she allegedly suffered in childhood.
Ms Teacher and Mr Webb, 43, deny conspiracy to blackmail. The trial continues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments