A British man, Alex Batty, has opened up about his harrowing experience after he was declared missing as a child when he was taken to live abroad by his mother. Now 20 years old, Batty recently returned to the UK after being found in France in December 2023, having spent six years away from his home country.
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When Batty was just 11, his mother, Melanie Batty, and grandfather, David, took him on what was initially described as a family holiday to Spain in September 2017. However, their trip turned into an extended stay in France, leading to Alex’s disappearance from the UK. His grandmother, Susan, reported him missing after he failed to return to Oldham as planned on October 8, 2017. Despite efforts from the police and media appeals, Alex remained untraceable until his discovery in rural France six years later.
Reports from Greater Manchester Police have indicated that Melanie did not possess legal custody of Alex at the time they left the UK, a detail that raises questions about the legality of their actions. Influenced by conspiracy theories and associated with the “sovereign citizen” movement, Melanie was said to have instilled in Alex a belief that their situation was legitimate, despite the surrounding circumstances. In fact, she advised him to dispose of his passport, and he did not attend school during their time abroad.
Alex, who is now a father himself, recounted his struggles in a recent BBC documentary titled “Kidnapped by Mum.” He explained that he initially found the lifestyle they led—hiding from authorities and living in tents—exciting, yet it gradually became more difficult. The realities of living on a campsite in France forced him to earn money through manual labour, at times surviving on only one meal a day.
In December 2023, after becoming increasingly aware of the difficulties of their situation, Alex decided to leave his mother and grandfather. He took the courageous step of writing a goodbye note before embarking on a journey to seek help. Walking for days to evade detection, he ultimately hitched a ride with a delivery driver who recognised his name from online searches regarding his disappearance. This fortunate encounter led him to French authorities, who facilitated his return to the UK.
Upon his return, Alex moved back in with his grandmother, who had been granted legal custody of him after Melanie’s 2017 trip. During his time in France, he reached out to his mother for the first time since returning to the UK, motivated by the emotional weight of his experiences and a desire for reconnection. In a message, he expressed his understanding of her intentions while also conveying the pain of lost experiences and educational opportunities during his formative years.
Reflecting on their complicated relationship, Alex expressed hope for mending ties with both his mother and grandfather. He acknowledged the affection they have for him while also addressing the conflict stemming from their actions. “I’m annoyed at what she did… the experiences I missed out on,” he articulated, revealing the nuanced emotions surrounding his family’s past.
Both Melanie and David Batty have not faced criminal charges regarding Alex’s abduction, which raises ongoing concerns about accountability in cases of child abduction and parental responsibility. Despite being approached by media outlets, they have not publicly commented on the allegations or their circumstances.
The police concluded their investigation into Alex’s disappearance in January 2025, but questions linger about the consequences of such cases and the protections available for children in similar situations. As Alex looks towards rebuilding his relationship with his mother, the complexities of his past will likely continue to shape his future.