Colin Blanchard: Last News

The 'Svengali-like' leader of a twisted paedophile ring is due to be considered for release for prison in the coming weeks. Colin Blanchard, from Rochdale, recruited nursery worker Vanessa George over the internet and persuaded her to abuse dozens of babies and toddlers for his own sick gratification.

An expert on child sexual abuse said the public has become more aware of female sex predators in recent years, but they still made up a tiny minority of offenders.

prison.He was jailed after convincing nursery worker Vanessa George to abuse 64 babies in her care at Little Ted's nursery in Efford, Plymouth.Blanchard, from Rochdale, was described as a "Svengali" figure at the centre of one of the "most sickening paedophile rings this country has ever seen" at his sentencing in 2011.He is serving at Category C HMP Wymott, near Leyland, Lancashire and will give evidence to the Parole Board on July 4 via video link before a judge, a psychologist, and an independent member.A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm the parole review of Colin Blanchard has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes. A hearing is expected to take place in early July.“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.“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.

direct to your inboxA paedophile who convinced a nursery worker to abuse children could be released from prison by the summer.Notorious Colin Blanchard, from Rochdale, was the ringleader of one of Britain’s most notorious paedophile gangs.Blanchard, 51, was said to be the “hub of the paedophile wheel”. He has now been referred to the Parole Board to be considered for release, The Mirror has revealed.