Parole hearing for 'evil' sex abuse cult leader

An "evil" sex cult leader who brainwashed and abused children could be released following a parole board hearing.

In 2011, Colin Batley, then 48, was found guilty of 35 offences at Swansea Crown Court.

Three women, including his estranged wife, were also imprisoned.

He was previously referred to the parole board in 2023, but his bid to be released from prison was denied.

Batley 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 recommendation.

Batley was warned that "he may never be released" by Judge Paul Thomas KC.

It 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 Onnen.

The cult, who all lived there took part in a catalogue of abuse against children and young adults in Carmarthenshire.

Jacqueline 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 years.

Shelly Millar, 35, described during the trial as Batley's "sex slave", was jailed for five years.

Victims said the group used occult writings and practices to "brainwash" them and justify their abuse.

The court was told that Batley used his position as the cult leader to rape boys and girls.

He 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 actions.

Batley used the occult to manipulate and control his victims.

Judge 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."

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 hearing.

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.