Latest news with #ColinBatley
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Paedophile satanic sex cult leader can be moved to open prison
A sex cult leader who brainwashed and abused children can be moved to an open prison, the Parole Board has said. Colin Batley was jailed for a minimum of 11 years and was warned in 2011 that he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. The then 48-year-old was convicted of 35 charges after he operated as the self-styled high priest of the cult which he ran from a series of quiet homes in a cul-de-sac in Kidwelly, west Wales. The Parole Board noted at the time of his offending he had an obsession with sex and 'child abuse supportive beliefs' and showed a 'callous disregard' for the feelings of victims. But in the third review of his eligibility for parole on March 7, the panel heard of Batley's work to address his sexual offending and that his behaviour in prison was 'exemplary'. Batley agreed his release 'would not be a good idea' at this stage but that he wanted to build on his skills in an open prison. Open prisons have minimal security and allow eligible prisoners to spend most of their day out of prison on licence, for example to carry out work or education. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, will make the final decision whether to accept the Parole Board's recommendation for open conditions. In a decision summary, a Parole Board spokesman said: 'The panel reflected on the gravity of the index offences and the profound harm caused to victims. Mr Batley had shown a commitment in prison to address his risk to others and had completed all recommended work. 'After considering the progress made and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public. 'However, on considering the criteria for recommending placement in open conditions, the panel recommended that Mr Batley should be progressed in this way.' Batley moved from London to Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, where all the cult members were based. Batley used his position as the cult leader to rape boys and girls and was found guilty of offences including 11 rapes, three indecent assaults, causing prostitution for personal gain, causing a child to have sex and inciting a child to have sex. He was given a public protection sentence with an 11-year minimum recommendation. Jacqueline Marling, 42, described as 'Batley's right-hand woman', was jailed for 12 years, while Batley's wife Elaine, 47, was jailed for eight years. Shelly Millar, 35, described during the trial as Batley's 'sex slave', was jailed for five years. Vincent Barden, 70, of Kempston, Bedfordshire, who was not a cult member, was jailed for three years after admitting two counts of sexual assault on an underage girl. Batley had been rejected three times by the Parole Board previously. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
BBC News
07-03-2025
- BBC News
Kidwelly sex cult leader: Parole board hearing for Colin Batley
An "evil" sex cult leader who brainwashed and abused children could be released following a parole board 2011, Colin Batley, then 48, was found guilty of 35 offences at Swansea Crown women, including his estranged wife, were also was previously referred to the parole board in 2023, but his bid to be released from prison was will appear before the board on 7 March and a decision on whether he can be released is expected to be made within 14 days. He was given an indeterminate public protection sentence with an 11-year minimum was warned that "he may never be released" by Judge Paul Thomas was said in court that Batley had been active as a molester and rapist of children and young people for more than three decades. He had moved from London to the small town of Kidwelly, in Carmarthenshire, where the cult operated in a cul-de-sac, Clos yr cult, who all lived there took part in a catalogue of abuse against children and young adults in Marling, 42, was described as "Batley's right-hand woman" and was jailed for 12 years, while his wife Elaine, 47, was jailed for eight Millar, 35, described during the trial as Batley's "sex slave", was jailed for five said the group used occult writings and practices to "brainwash" them and justify their court was told that Batley used his position as the cult leader to rape boys and and the others were said to have used occultist Aleister Crowley's The Book Of The Law – which praises prostitution and free sex – as a guide for their own used the occult to manipulate and control his Thomas detailed how Batley had moved from London to Wales in the '90s and eventually based the cult in Kidwelly."What happened thereafter has besmirched the unsuspecting town of Kidwelly," he said."You formed a community within a community, you were described as evil."That in my view, is an entirely accurate statement of your character." 'Carefully examine a range of evidence' A spokesperson for the parole board confirmed that the hearing for Batley was taking place on 7 March in private."Parole board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community."A panel will carefully examine a range of evidence, including details of the original crime and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as exploring the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims."The board added that members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to the spokesperson said: "Evidence from witnesses, including probation officers, psychiatrists, psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison, as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing."The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing, which often lasts a full day or more."The spokesperson added that reviews were taken thoroughly and with extreme care, and protecting the public was the boards number one priority.
