Witness tells court of underage sex with members of 'quasi-religious cult'

A PROSECUTION witness at Swansea Crown Court was adamant that when he had sex with a Carmarthenshire woman he was under the age of 16.

The witness, who is now an adult, described how he had sex on two occasions with Shelly Millar, of Clos yr Onnen, Kidwelly.

Speaking over a television link, he said he was sure both occasions had been before his 16th birthday.

In cross-examination, Millar's barrister, Huw Rees, said: "I suggest it was after your 16th birthday."

'Wrong'

The witness replied: "You can suggest it, but you'd be wrong."

He also spoke of having had sex with other Kidwelly women both before and after he became 16.

The witness was giving evidence at the trial of five people who were living in neighbouring properties in Clos yr Onnen when they allegedly committed sex offences against children.

A sixth defendant is from Bedfordshire.

Cult

Prosecutor Peter Murphy QC alleged last week that the case involved a "quasi- religious cult" which was used to justify and excuse sexual activity between defendants and sexual assaults on children.

There are not guilty pleas to an indictment comprising 46 charges — and the case involves five alleged victims, who cannot be named in press reports for legal reasons

Colin Batley, who faces multiple charges of rape, buggery and possessing child pornography, is also accused of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and indecent assault.

His female co-accused are his wife Elaine Batley, 47, Jacqueline Marling, 42, Sandra Iveson, 45, and Millar, 35.

Elaine Batley and Millar face charges of gross indecency and sexual activity with a child, while Iveson also faces a charge of gross indecency.

Marling is accused, with Colin Batley, of "causing prostitution", while Marling is further accused of sexual activity with a child, gross indecency, and aiding and abetting a rape alleged to have been committed by him.

Vincent Barden, 70, of Kempston, Bedfordshire, is accused of one charge of rape when allegedly aided and abetted by Colin Batley.

The case continues.

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