Colin Batley could be released into open prison following a Parole Board decision Credit: Dyfed Powys Police/Athena Pictures

A sex cult leader who brainwashed and abused children can be moved to an open prison, the Parole Board has said.

Colin Batley was jailed for a minimum of 11 years and was warned in 2011 that he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

The then 48-year-old was convicted of 35 charges after he operated as the self-styled high priest of the cult which he ran from a series of quiet homes in a cul-de-sac in Kidwelly, west Wales.

The Parole Board noted at the time of his offending he had an obsession with sex and “child abuse supportive beliefs” and showed a “callous disregard” for the feelings of victims.

But in the third review of his eligibility for parole on March 7, the panel heard of Batley’s work to address his sexual offending and that his behaviour in prison was “exemplary”.

Batley agreed his release “would not be a good idea” at this stage but that he wanted to build on his skills in an open prison.

Open prisons have minimal security and allow eligible prisoners to spend most of their day out of prison on licence, for example to carry out work or education.

Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, will make the final decision whether to accept the Parole Board’s recommendation for open conditions.

In a decision summary, a Parole Board spokesman said: “The panel reflected on the gravity of the index offences and the profound harm caused to victims. Mr Batley had shown a commitment in prison to address his risk to others and had completed all recommended work.

“After considering the progress made and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

“However, on considering the criteria for recommending placement in open conditions, the panel recommended that Mr Batley should be progressed in this way.”

Batley moved from London to Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, where all the cult members were based.

Elaine Batley, Colin’s estranged wife, was also jailed, for eight years in 2011 Credit: Dyfed Powys Police/Athena Pictures

Batley used his position as the cult leader to rape boys and girls and was found guilty of offences including 11 rapes, three indecent assaults, causing prostitution for personal gain, causing a child to have sex and inciting a child to have sex.

He was given a public protection sentence with an 11-year minimum recommendation.

Jacqueline Marling, 42, described as “Batley’s right-hand woman”, was jailed for 12 years, while Batley’s wife Elaine, 47, was jailed for eight years.

Shelly Millar, 35, described during the trial as Batley’s “sex slave”, was jailed for five years.

Vincent Barden, 70, of Kempston, Bedfordshire, who was not a cult member, was jailed for three years after admitting two counts of sexual assault on an underage girl.

Batley had been rejected three times by the Parole Board previously.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Colin Batley’s crimes were horrific and our thoughts remain with his victims.

“Prisoners must pass a robust risk assessment before any move to open conditions and we do not hesitate to move them back to closed prisons if they break the rules.”