Alex Batty’s mum & granddad won't face criminal charges after keeping Brit teen in commune for six years

22 January 2025, 12:52 | Updated: 22 January 2025, 13:03

The British boy, originally from Oldham, was 11 years old when he went missing while travelling with his family in Marbella, Spain, in October 2017.
The British boy, originally from Oldham, was 11 years old when he went missing while travelling with his family in Marbella, Spain, in October 2017. Picture: Alamy, Greater Manchester Police, PA

By Henry Moore

Alex Batty’s mum and granddad will not face criminal proceedings after taking the British teen from a holiday to an “off-the-grid” commune in 2017.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Alex, originally from Oldham, was 11 years old when he went missing while travelling with his family in Marbella, Spain, in October 2017.

He was with his mum Melanie Batty at the time, as well as his granddad, David.

They were not allowed to be with Alex due to "domestic difficulties".

His family took him to an “off-the-grid” commune in France, where he spent six years, before fleeing in 2023.

Read more: Everything we know about Alex Batty’s disappearance, his mother and why he fled 'spiritual community' in France

Alex was found in the Pyrenees in the south of France, picked up by a driver and taken to French authorities.
Alex was found in the Pyrenees in the south of France, picked up by a driver and taken to French authorities. . Picture: Greater Manchester Police

Police say they have “explored all possible lines of enquiry” but “there is insufficient grounds to move forward with any criminal prosecution.”

The decision not to pursue criminal proceedings applies to both Alex’s mum, Melanie, and his grandad David - who took him to the commune aged 11.

In a statement released on Thursday, Detective Superintendent Matt Walker, who led the investigation said; “Alex and his safety has been at the forefront of our minds and actions since he was found in Toulouse, France in 2023.

“In our commitment to protecting children, we felt it was important that the circumstances of Alex’s disappearance be properly and thoroughly investigated. I led a dedicated team to do exactly that when Alex was first found, and this has continued since.

Alex sent his grandmother, and legal guardian, Susan Caruana a message on Facebook: “Hello grandma it is me, Alex."
Alex sent his grandmother, and legal guardian, Susan Caruana a message on Facebook: “Hello grandma it is me, Alex.". Picture: Alamy
Melanie Batty became caught up with David's new lifestyle and she got involved with a cult.
Melanie Batty became caught up with David's new lifestyle and she got involved with a cult. . Picture: PA

Alex, now 17, re-emerged in 2023 when a delivery driver came across him in the Aude region of France.

He told the driver he had hiked for four days over the Pyrenees, having left his mother who he said wanted to go to Finland.

He has since been brought to the UK and is living with Susan Caruana, 68, his grandmother. He previously lived with her in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Alex has said while he disagrees with his mum’s decision, he doesn't want her to be imprisoned.

Upon being found last year, he said: “I don’t think they should get in touch with the police because I don’t want them to go to jail.”

Kidnapping a child carries a maximum sentence of seven years in the UK.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The NTSB recovers the debris of a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk involved in a mid-air collision near DCA in Arlington, VA.

All major parts of DC plane and Black Hawk helicopter involved in mid-air collision recovered, investigators confirm

A Thai hostage who was freed from Hamas, Pongsak Thaenna, hugs a relative upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport

'We never gave up hope': Freed Thai hostages in tears of joy as they reunite with families after more than a year

Harry and Meghan at the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games.

Meghan and Prince Harry cheer on Team UK at Invictus Games opening ceremony

Daisy the Labrador.

Stolen dog reunited with family after seven years

Irish boxer John Cooney.

Boxer dies from a brain bleed, from injury during championship fight

'Make Europe Great Again' Rally In Madrid

'Make Europe Great Again': Far-right European political leaders praise Trump at Madrid meeting

Kanye West.

Rapper Kanye West advertises t-shirt featuring a Nazi swastika, after 'antisemitic rampage' on X

Andrew Gwynne.

Minister sacked after posting he hoped 'pensioner who didn’t vote Labour would die' in WhatsApp group

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road.

Two arrested as protesters clash with police outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

'She's terrible': Trump takes swipe at Meghan, but will not deport Prince Harry

Freed Palestinian prisoners are greeted by a crowd as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

Emotional scenes in West Bank and Gaza as Palestinians reunited with their families after release from Israeli prisons

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King.

'She was grateful for life': parents of Southport stabbing victims pay tribute to their children

Israeli hostage reunited with his family.

Emotional moment Israeli hostages reunite with families after being paraded on stage by Hamas

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road at the rally.

Protesters clash with police as thousands rally outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

The father of the Huszti sisters has said he believes his daughters were "kidnapped" and "cruelly killed"

Heartbroken father of sisters found dead in River Dee believes they were 'lured to their death'

Hollyoaks star and country singer thought to be son of British couple shot dead in French villa ‘by UK gangsters’

Hollyoaks star breaks silence over death of mum found dead in French villa with her husband