Notorious paedophile and rapist Colin Batley who ran sex cult in Welsh community could be freed from jail

A notorious paedophile and sex cult leader who abused children and young adults at his home in Carmarthenshire could be freed from prison, it has been revealed. Colin Batley was jailed 12 years ago for a string of perverted sex attacks.

Having moved to Wales from London in the 1990s, Batley set up what was described during his trial as a “black magic sex cult” in a quiet cul-de-sac in the small sleepy town of Kidwelly. Aged 48 when he was sent to prison in 2011, Batley – the self-appointed ‘high priest’ of the group – was told he would serve a minimum term of 11 years. You can keep up to date with the latest Carmarthenshire news by signing up to the local newsletter here.

In total, he was found guilty of three indecent assaults, causing prostitution for personal gain, causing a child to have sex and inciting a child to have sex, and 11 counts of rape. Three women were also jailed for crimes associated with the group. Jacqueline Marling, then aged 42, was jailed for 12 years, while Batley’s wife Elaine, then aged 47, was jailed for eight years. Shelly Millar, then aged 35, was jailed for five years.

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All four wore Eye of Horus tattoos on their arms to signify membership of the cult, and Batley was described in court as “evil and manipulative”, even smiling and laughing as the jury returned their guilty verdicts. You can read more detail from the court case – held at Swansea Crown Court in February and March 2011 – here.

In 2014, one of the victims spoke out about how she was abused by her own mother and Batley during her childhood. “It was awful,” she said. “The most painful and shocking thing that had ever happened – but it was my path, that’s what he told me, and if I didn’t do it I would go to the Abyss, which was our version of hell. Colin knew how to manipulate you, to make you believe anything he said.” Of her mother, she said: “To be abused like that by your own mum beggar’s belief”. You can read more of the harrowing details of what Annabelle – not her real name – went through here.

Clos yr Onnen in Kidwelly, where Batley and his ‘sex cult’ lived (Image: Robert Melen)

In 2021 – 10 years after he was jailed – rumours circulated that Batley had been released on licence and was living in the Carmarthen area, some 10 miles from the scene of his crimes in Clos yr Onnen, Kidwelly. However, those proved to be untrue after a Ministry of Justice spokeswoman confirmed that he was still behind bars at HM Prison Ashfield in Bristol.

However, Batley has now been referred to the Parole Board for a hearing to be considered for release, it can be confirmed. A panel will “carefully examine a huge range of evidence” before any decision is made on when – if at all – Batley can be freed. That process is expected to take place within the coming weeks and months.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm the parole review of Colin Batley has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes. 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 huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing. It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”

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