'Warped' leader of paedophile ring may never be freed

Published on Monday 10 January 2011 13:57

THE leader of an online paedophile ring which drew in four accomplices was branded "warped, wicked, dangerous, devious and manipulative" by a judge yesterday and warned he may never be released from prison.

IT consultant Colin Blanchard, 40, who convinced Vanessa George, 40, Tracy Lyons, 41, Tracy Dawber, 44, and Angela Allen, 40 - to sexually assault young children and share the images, was given an indeterminate sentence. Mr Justice Royce said the father-of-two's interest in child sex abuse was "deep-rooted and long-standing".

He added: "You are warped, wicked, dangerous, devious and manipulative. You were the hub of the paedophile wheel."

Blanchard could apply for release after serving a minimum nine years imprisonment, however Mr Justice Royce said the decision said it would be up to the Parole Board.

Also sentenced yesterday was Lyons, who was given seven years - consisting of four years imprisonment and three years on licence - and Dawber who was jailed for four years. George and Allen are already serving prison sentences.

Police smashed the gang when a work colleague of Blanchard found child sex abuse images on his computer. The net closed in when detectives identified the other members.

Blanchard met the women over the internet and convinced them to sexually assault young children and send him the perverted images.

George abused young children at Little Ted's nursery in Plymouth, and Allen and Lyons both assaulted youngsters to please Blanchard.