Buddhist Monk Locked Up for Sex Attacks on Toddler
A Buddhist meditation master has been slammed with an eight-year jail term after admitting to sexually abusing a three-year-old girl in Brighton – offenses committed over six years starting four decades ago.
Monk’s Dark Secret Revealed After 40 Years
Koji Takeuchi, now 80, from Trent Lane, North Clifton near Nottingham, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the young girl between 1975 and 1981, when she was aged three to nine. The shocking confession came after a probe by Sussex Police safeguarding detectives.
Sentenced and Stripped of Trust
At Hove Crown Court on 30 October, Takeuchi was handed two consecutive three-year sentences plus extended licence terms and an additional two years in extended custody. On top of this, he’s slapped with an indefinite Sexual Harm Protection Order barring him from working with vulnerable adults or children for life. He’ll also remain on the sex offenders’ register forever.
Under the Guise of Meditation
Known professionally as Buddha Maitreya, Takeuchi visited the girl’s home for meditation sessions with her parents. He promised to look after the toddler so they could rest – but instead, he abused her over several years.
Police Speak Out on Grooming and Abuse
“Takeuchi exploited his role as a trusted monk to ingratiate himself with this family,” said Detective Constable Stewart Cameron from Brighton Safeguarding Investigations Unit.
“Using meditation sessions as a cover, he groomed this very young, vulnerable girl and systematically abused her for his own sexual gratification over a long period.
“He convinced her they were ‘secret’ boyfriend and girlfriend until abruptly ending the abuse years later.
“This horrific ordeal robbed the victim of her childhood and has left a lasting impact on her life.
“In 2018, she found the strength to come forward and disclose what happened all those years ago.
“This case shows we will always pursue justice regardless of how much time has passed to support victims.”
