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