ALAN BATCHELOR SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN ON VALE ROAD IN KINGSKERWELL

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Kingskerwell, a man identified as Alan Batchelor has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of serious sexual offences committed against two young children. The incident, which spans over a decade, has brought to light the disturbing actions of a man who targeted vulnerable minors in the Vale Road area.

Alan Batchelor, aged 73, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face the charges. The court proceedings revealed that Batchelor, a resident of Vale Road in Kingskerwell, pleaded guilty to four counts of causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity. Despite his plea of not guilty to an additional twelve charges, a jury found him guilty on all counts presented during the trial.

The offences in question occurred over a period from 2004 to 2017, highlighting a prolonged pattern of abuse. The case was brought to the attention of authorities after a woman contacted Devon and Cornwall Police in March 2022 to file a formal complaint. Following this, law enforcement launched a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

During the trial, Batchelor admitted to some of the abuse but vehemently denied others, claiming that certain accusations were fabricated. Nevertheless, the jury convicted him of fourteen counts, which included heinous crimes such as the rape of a child under 13, attempted rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act, voyeurism, and inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Garry Harding expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating,