Crime

Notorious paedophile cult leader Colin Batley may be freed this week

Published

10 months ago

March 4, 2025

ONE of Britain’s most notorious paedophiles, Colin Batley, who led a vile sex cult in the quiet Welsh town of Kidwelly, could be released from prison this week. Batley, now 73, is due for a Parole Board hearing on Friday (March 7), where a panel will assess his case and could decide to set him free.

Batley was jailed in 2011 after being found guilty of 35 offences, including multiple rapes and serious sexual assaults. He received an indeterminate sentence of 22 years, with a minimum term of 11 years, and was warned he might never be released.

The former Tesco security guard from London led a quasi-religious cult where children were subjected to systematic abuse for over a decade. He brainwashed and terrorised his victims, threatening them with murder by cult assassins and eternal damnation if they did not comply with his perverse demands.

Third attempt at freedom

This is Batley’s third parole hearing. Experts fear he may be released despite the severity of his crimes and the dangers he poses to the public. His release would mark a disturbing chapter in the justice system, as all three women who were jailed for their roles in his cult have already been freed.

Batley’s estranged wife, Elaine Batley, along with Jacqueline Marling and Shelly Millar, were sentenced to a combined 25 years in prison for their part in the cult. The women, who referred to Batley as ‘Lord,’ participated in the abuse and aided in his exploitation of children.

A ‘sick little kingdom’

Swansea Crown Court heard how Batley created a “sick little kingdom” in the otherwise unsuspecting community of Kidwelly. His home was transformed into a temple filled with satanic idolatry and tanks of snakes, where he would conduct sinister rituals followed by orchestrated group sex.

Judge Paul Thomas QC, who sentenced Batley, said: “You set yourself up as ruler in your own sick little kingdom… You became their master and formed a community within a community involving child abuse, rape, and prostitution. You are, and for the foreseeable future, a danger to children.”

The abuse continued unchecked for years, despite concerns raised with Carmarthenshire Social Services in 2002. It was not until a brave victim came forward in 2010 that Batley’s web of manipulation and abuse was finally exposed.

Calls for continued detention

Survivors and campaigners have expressed horror at the possibility of Batley’s release. A spokesperson for a child protection charity said: “This man is a danger to society. His actions destroyed lives. The idea that he could be released is a terrifying prospect.”

The victims, who have already endured a harrowing ordeal, now face renewed trauma as the parole hearing approaches. Many have rebuilt their lives after years of suffering, but the potential release of their abuser threatens to bring back painful memories.

Community on edge

The quiet community of Kidwelly remains scarred by the horrors of Batley’s crimes.

Residents are deeply concerned about the prospect of his return. Local councillors have called for assurances that Batley would not be allowed back into the area if released.

The Parole Board’s decision on Friday will be closely watched by both the victims and the wider community. Many hope that justice will prevail and that Batley will remain behind bars, where they believe he belongs.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

13 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

Crime

Rugby player’s life changed forever by knife attack — attacker jailed for 22½ years

Published

15 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Seren Baker

A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.

Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.

Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.

The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.

In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”

***Morgan Hopkins,18, pictured here with his parents was left with life-changing injuries following the attack***

Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.

Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.

He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.

He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.

Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.

Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.

Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.

Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.

Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.

Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.

Crime

Police appeal after stolen Ford Fiesta crashes into lamppost

Published

15 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Officers ask residents to check CCTV and dashcam footage

POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle in Ystradowen on Thursday evening (Dec 18).

A silver Ford Fiesta, registration CV05 CVJ, was reported stolen from a property on Brynawel Terrace, Penygraig Road, at around 5.30pm.

The vehicle was later discovered on New Road, Cwmllynfell, where it had been involved in a collision with a lamppost.

Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who lives or travelled along the route between Brynawel Terrace and New Road, Cwmllynfell, to check their CCTV or dashcam footage in case the incident was captured.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message via social media.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Quote reference: 25*1032732.