A sex-cult leader who brainwashed and abused children will not be transferred to an open prison despite a parole board’s recommendation.

Colin Batley was jailed in 2011 after being found guilty of 35 offences relating to being a molester and rapist of children and young people for more than 30 years.

In March, a parole board decided it would recommend Batley be moved to an open prison after a hearing found he had shown an “improved level of insight into his offending behaviour”.

However, the final decision had to be made by justice secretary, with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) confirming it had “blocked” Batley’s transfer to an open prison.

Batley moved from London to Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, where the cult operated in a cul-de-sac, Clos yr Onnen.

Cult members who all lived there took part in a catalogue of abuse against children and young adults, with victims saying the group used occult writings and practices to “brainwash” them and justify their abuse.

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.

Batley had been rejected three times by the parole board previously, but March’s hearing said he had undertaken accredited programmes to “address his sexual behaviour”.

It was heard he agreed with the parole board “that release at this stage would not be a good idea” and wanted “to progress via an open prison”.

An open prison has minimal security, and allows eligible prisoners to spend most of their day away from the prison on licence to carry out work, education or for other resettlement purposes.

In March the panel said it was “not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public” but did feel that a placement in an open prison was acceptable after reflecting on the “gravity of the offences and the profound harm caused to victims”.

The MoJ said: “These were horrific crimes, and our thoughts remain with the victims.

“Public protection is our number one priority which is why we have blocked Colin Batley’s transfer to open prison.”