The ‘evil’ head of a paedophile cult who preyed on young children for more than a decade could be freed in a parole hearing earmarked for the new year.
Sexual predator Colin Batley, then 48, was given an indeterminate sentence with a minimum 11-year tariff in 2011 after being found guilty of 35 offences, including multiple tapes.
What indeterminate sentence means
The type of sentence means that Batley has to be recommended for release by the Parole Board.
At his trial, the judge warned his offences in the quiet town of Kidwelly, south west Wales, were so serious that the monster could die in jail.
Third appeal and counting….
Now aged 59, Batley has recently been referred to the Parole Board for a new hearing. It is likely to be listed early in the new year. This will be his third appeal.
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.’
