Evil paedophile bids for freedom

Twisted businessman recruited nursery worker and other women to abuse babies and toddlers

- DAMON WILKINSON

THE 'Svengali-like' leader of a twisted paedophile ring is due to be considered for release from prison.

Colin Blanchard 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 has so far spent 12 years behind bars and is now understood to be at Category C HMP Wymott near Leyland, which has specialist facilities for housing sex offenders.

Blanchard, a former businessman from Smithy Bridge, Rochdale, is due to appear before a Parole Board hearing on February 8.

If he persuades the panel he is no longer a danger to the public he could be released, with conditions, by March.

Sentencing him at Bristol Crown Court in 2011, Mr Justice Royce said: "You are warped, wicked, dangerous and manipulative.