KRISTIAN BATTEN SHOCKS LISKEARD WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AT PLYMOUTH ARGYLE GAME

In April 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded at a football match involving Plymouth Argyle, leaving a lasting impact on the victim and the community. A teenage girl, just 17 years old, was subjected to a distressing sexual assault as she was leaving the game at Home Park. The perpetrator, Kristian Batten, aged 25 and a resident of Lake Lane in Liskeard, was accused of groping the young woman in a highly inappropriate manner.

The court heard that Batten reached from behind the girl and inappropriately touched her over her leggings, specifically between her legs. The assault was not only physical but also deeply invasive, as Batten then proceeded to sniff his fingers in front of her, an act that left the victim in shock and horror. The girl, overwhelmed by the incident, looked around the crowd in an attempt to comprehend what had just happened, and her distress was evident.

Following the assault, the teenager immediately confided in her mother and contacted the police, describing her feelings of shock, upset, and anger. Despite efforts by law enforcement, officers were unable to locate Batten on the day of the incident. However, he was identified the following Saturday through CCTV footage, which captured his actions during the match.

The incident occurred after the match against Fleetwood Town on October 7. The victim recounted her experience to police, expressing her disbelief that someone could commit such an act without her consent and then think they could escape accountability. Her words underscored the emotional trauma inflicted by the assault.

During the court proceedings, Judge James Townsend described the offence as “very unpleasant” and emphasized the significant distress caused to the victim. He acknowledged her understandable fear of public spaces following the incident. The judge also noted that Batten had not fully confronted the gravity of his actions, suggesting a possible element of shame and remorse that he had yet to face.

Despite the seriousness of the offence, Batten’s guilty plea, coupled with his previously good character, led the court to impose a community order rather than a custodial sentence. He was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes a requirement to undergo sex offender treatment. Additionally, Batten was ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register for five years and pay an £85 victim surcharge. The court’s decision aimed to balance punishment with the potential for rehabilitation, given the circumstances of the case.