West Wales paedophile cult leader could be moved to open prison
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Victims still haunted by Carmarthenshire sex abuse scandal
WEST WALES paedophile cult leader Colin Batley, who was jailed in 2011 for a catalogue of horrific child sex crimes, has been recommended for transfer to an open prison by the Parole Board.
Batley, now in his seventies, ran a cult from a quiet cul-de-sac in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, where he and his followers brainwashed and abused children and young people using occult practices to justify their crimes.
During his trial at Swansea Crown Court, Batley was found guilty of 35 offences, including 11 rapes, indecent assaults, inciting children to have sex and forcing children into prostitution. He was given a sentence of imprisonment for public protection, with a minimum term of 11 years before he could be considered for release.
Alongside Batley, his wife Elaine, Jacqueline Marling and Shelley Millar were all jailed for their roles in the abuse. Victims described the group as manipulative and controlling, leaving lasting damage to their lives.
Open prison move
The Parole Board confirmed it had again rejected Batley’s bid for release, but said he had shown “improved insight” into his offending and had completed programmes to address his behaviour. It concluded that while it was not safe to free him, he could be transferred to an open prison where inmates live under minimal security and can spend time outside on licence for work, education or resettlement.
The final decision will rest with the Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood.
Profound harm
In its decision, the panel stressed that Batley’s release would not be safe “for the protection of the public,” but said the move to an open prison was acceptable “after reflecting on the gravity of the offences and the profound harm caused to victims.”
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