ALAN BATCHELOR SENTENCED TO 26 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN EXETER

A 73-year-old man named Alan Batchelor has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for sexually abusing two young girls. The judge indicated that Batchelor might spend the rest of his life in prison. The crimes began when the victims were just three and six years old. Batchelor subjected one girl to extended abuse, which included making her watch pornography, and he recorded some of his assaults, causing lasting psychological damage that continues into their adulthood.

During his sentencing at Exeter Crown Court, Batchelor suffered a panic attack while in the dock. The judge noted that Batchelor showed minimal remorse and admitted only to part of the abuse, which significantly impacted the victims’ lives, stripping away their childhoods and leaving deep emotional scars.

The offences were exposed in 2022. Batchelor admitted to some charges, while others went to trial, where a jury found him guilty of multiple counts, including oral rape, attempted rape, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Court proceedings revealed that some of these crimes occurred in Swindon, while others took place after Batchelor relocated to Devon in 2011.

Victims' statements described the trauma inflicted and their ongoing struggles with mental health. It was also revealed that Batchelor had prior convictions at age 14 for indecent assault, but he had led a law-abiding life prior to these recent offences.

The sentence includes 25 years in prison plus an additional year on licence if he is released. Detective Garry Harding praised the bravery of the victims in coming forward, emphasizing that it is never too late to report abuse and assuring that victims will be believed.