One of Britain’s worst paedophiles who convinced nursery monster Vanessa George to abuse dozens of children has launched a fresh bid for freedom.
Vile Colin Blanchard is being assessed by Parole experts two years after he was refused release because he still had ‘extreme sexual interests’.
They could soon decide to release him back in the community, despite a report in 2024 which said the former IT expert was still ‘deflecting’ and ‘minimising’ responsibility for his offending.
Blanchard convinced nursery worker George to abuse 64 babies and toddlers in her care at a nursery in Plymouth in one of the most shocking cases of child abuse in Britain.
The 54-year-old was handed an indeterminate sentence in 2011 for sex abuse charges and was told he would serve at least nine years. He has so far been inside for 14 years.
His case will be assessed by a panel of experts in the coming weeks who will analyse any progress he has apparently made in the last two years and his behaviour in prison.
But the case will no doubt cause anger among victims and their families, especially after such a damning report just two years ago.
One source said: ‘This will no doubt spark anger among those impacted by his vile crimes and those of Vanessa George.
Vile Colin Blanchard, 54, is being assessed by Parole experts two years after he was refused release because he still had ‘extreme sexual interests’
Blanchard convinced Vanessa George to abuse 64 babies and toddlers in her care at Little Ted’s nursery in Efford, Plymouth before sending him videos of the vile acts
Police officers outside Little Ted’s Child Day Care Unit in Laira, Plymouth, after it was closed
‘It was a harrowing case and many will argue he should never be released.’
During his sentencing at Bristol Crown Court in 2011, Blanchard was described as a ‘Svengali’ figure at the centre of one of the ‘most sickening paedophile rings this country has ever seen’.
Blanchard persuaded a string of middle-aged women he met on Facebook to abuse children for his sexual pleasure.
Angela Allen and Tracy Lyons, who were both jailed for their roles in the ring, have already been released from prison.
Police uncovered their activities only when Blanchard forgot to log out of his personal email account and his business partner spotted images of child abuse at the firm in Manchester.
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.
‘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.
Angela Allen (pictured left) and Tracy Lyons (pictured right), who were both jailed for their roles in the ring, have already been released from prison
‘Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.
‘Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.
‘It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care.
‘Protecting the public is our number one priority.’