A notorious rapist known as the ‘Battersea Beast’ is seeking release again after being blocked twice due to concerns over potential reoffending. Edward Bartley, 64, was imprisoned for a violent knife attack following an early release from a 20-year sentence for targeting lone women. Despite being approved for transfer to an open prison by the Parole Board in 2020 and 2022, the Secretary of State for Justice intervened to halt the decision each time.
One of Bartley’s victims, who was assaulted at 17 in 1989, expressed dismay over his potential release, emphasizing the lasting trauma of the experience and the failure to keep him detained. Another victim echoed similar sentiments, describing Bartley as a threat to society based on his past actions and the likelihood of committing further heinous crimes against vulnerable individuals.
Bartley’s criminal history dates back to 1992 when he terrorized five women in Battersea over a three-and-a-half-year period. Released in 2004, he later raped a 19-year-old in 2007, resulting in a life sentence with a minimum term of 12 years. His prior offenses include multiple burglaries, assault, and robbery, highlighting a pattern of escalating violence.
A parole review hearing for Bartley has been scheduled for November 2025, with the Parole Board focusing on assessing the risk he poses to the public and the potential for management in the community. Concerns remain high among victims and the public about the prospect of Bartley being released, given his history of reoffending and the severity of his crimes.