Crime
West Wales paedophile cult leader could be moved to open prison
Victims still haunted by Carmarthenshire sex abuse scandal
WEST WALES paedophile cult leader Colin Batley, who was jailed in 2011 for a catalogue of horrific child sex crimes, has been recommended for transfer to an open prison by the Parole Board.
Batley, now in his seventies, ran a cult from a quiet cul-de-sac in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, where he and his followers brainwashed and abused children and young people using occult practices to justify their crimes.
During his trial at Swansea Crown Court, Batley was found guilty of 35 offences, including 11 rapes, indecent assaults, inciting children to have sex and forcing children into prostitution. He was given a sentence of imprisonment for public protection, with a minimum term of 11 years before he could be considered for release.
Alongside Batley, his wife Elaine, Jacqueline Marling and Shelley Millar were all jailed for their roles in the abuse. Victims described the group as manipulative and controlling, leaving lasting damage to their lives.
Open prison move
The Parole Board confirmed it had again rejected Batley’s bid for release, but said he had shown “improved insight” into his offending and had completed programmes to address his behaviour. It concluded that while it was not safe to free him, he could be transferred to an open prison where inmates live under minimal security and can spend time outside on licence for work, education or resettlement.
The final decision will rest with the Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood.
Profound harm
In its decision, the panel stressed that Batley’s release would not be safe “for the protection of the public,” but said the move to an open prison was acceptable “after reflecting on the gravity of the offences and the profound harm caused to victims.”
The cult’s crimes remain one of the darkest chapters in recent Welsh criminal history, with survivors continuing to live with the consequences of Batley’s abuse.
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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