Warped businessman who made women sink to unthinkable depths of depravity could be walking the streets in a matter of weeks

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

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.

He also enlisted three other women to abuse children. Blanchard, now 53, was given an indefinite sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of nine years in 2011.

He's so far spent 12 years behind bars. Blanchard, a former businessman from Smithy Bridge, is due to appear before a Parole Board hearing on February 8. READ MORE: The chilling five words woman spoke to police after murdering fiancé READ MORE: Predator used Prince’s Trust trips to the Lake District as cover for his vile deeds If he persuades the panel he is no longer a danger to the public he could be released, with strict conditions, by March.

Sentencing him at Bristol Crown Court, Mr Justice Royce said: "You are warped, wicked, dangerous and manipulative. "Your pernicious grooming of women, whose sexual interest in children you stimulate, nurture and feed on, is plain to see." The judge said Blanchard was guilty of 'breathtaking depravity' adding: "Your influence, Colin Blanchard, described this morning as Svengali-like over four separate women so they engaged in sexual abuse of children [of] such tender years, is frightening. "It is more extraordinary when one appreciates you never actually met three of them face to face.