Crime

Paedophile cult leader Colin Batley to be moved to open prison – but not freed

Published

1 year ago

March 21, 2025

A CONVICTED child rapist who led a depraved sex cult in a quiet Welsh cul-de-sac is to be moved to an open prison – despite being refused parole.

Colin Batley, who orchestrated years of abuse under the guise of a sinister “black magic” cult in the Carmarthenshire town of Kidwelly, will remain in custody but could soon be transferred to a Category D facility, the Parole Board has confirmed.

Batley, now 61, appeared before the Parole Board for the third time on March 7, 2025. Despite fears he may be freed, the panel ruled he must remain behind bars – citing the “gravity of the offences and the profound harm caused to victims.”

However, in a controversial move, the Board recommended Batley be moved to an open prison – a decision which now lies with the Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood.

“Obsessed with sex and power”

Batley was jailed in 2011 after being convicted at Swansea Crown Court of 35 charges including 11 counts of rape, indecent assault, and child prostitution. He was handed an indeterminate sentence with a minimum term of 11 years.

The court heard that Batley had created a quasi-religious cult based on the writings of occultist Aleister Crowley, styling himself as ‘high priest’ and ruling over his victims with fear, sexual violence, and threats of damnation.

In chilling detail, the judge described how Batley manipulated women and children, some as young as 11, into acts of abuse, often under threat of harm or supernatural retribution. Victims were forced to wear Eye of Horus tattoos to signify cult membership and were made to call Batley “Lord.”

During his trial, he showed no remorse, smirking and laughing as the verdicts were read out.

No release – but a step closer

In its latest decision, the Parole Board noted that while Batley had completed rehabilitative courses in prison and shown a “commitment to address his risk to others,” the panel was “not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.”

However, it concluded that Batley met the criteria for transfer to open conditions – prisons with minimal security that allow prisoners to leave for work, education, or other resettlement purposes.

The move has sparked outrage among some observers, with concerns that Batley could soon be allowed increasing levels of freedom despite the severity of his crimes.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed that any move to open conditions requires approval by the Secretary of State. “This is not automatic, and all such recommendations are carefully reviewed,” they said.

Cult accomplices already released

Batley ran the cult from his home in Clos yr Onnen, Kidwelly, after moving from Shoreditch in London in the 1990s. He was aided by three women – including his bisexual wife Elaine Batley – all of whom have now been released from prison.

Jacqueline Marling was jailed for 12 years, Elaine Batley for eight, and Shelly Millar for five. The group operated a secretive and abusive world behind closed doors in what appeared to be a typical suburban street.

Justice campaigners alarmed

News of Batley’s potential transfer has reignited debate about the release of high-risk sex offenders. Campaigners have warned that open prisons – which are not subject to the same level of security – pose a risk when used for prisoners convicted of extreme sexual offences.

One child protection expert told The Herald: “Batley created a nightmare for so many young victims, and it’s hard to believe he could ever be considered for open conditions. Survivors need reassurance that their abuser will never again have the opportunity to harm others.”

Batley will remain eligible for future parole reviews. If moved to an open prison, it could mark the first step on a path to eventual release.

Photo caption:
Cult leader: Colin Batley was convicted of 35 serious sexual offences

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

23 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

24 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.