Alex Batty, the teenager who went missing from Oldham in 2017 and was found in France six years later, has described his relationship with his mother as 'complicated'. In a new BBC documentary, he says he is 'annoyed' at what she did but also understands her motivations.
Alex, now 20, was taken to Spain by his mother Melanie Batty and grandfather David Batty, who then led an 'alternative' nomadic lifestyle across Spain and France. He fled in December 2023 and walked for four days before being found. He has since returned to his grandmother Susan Caruana in Oldham.
In the documentary 'Kidnapped By My Mum', Alex retraces his journey and expresses frustration that authorities did not intervene. He recalls being kicked out of his mother's campervan and living in a tent while she stayed in a warm vehicle. A campsite owner reported the family to French social services but was told nothing could be done due to lack of identification.
Greater Manchester Police said no criminal proceedings would be brought against Alex's mother and grandfather, as there was no realistic chance of prosecution. Both Alex and his grandmother have stated they do not wish to see them jailed. Since returning, Alex has passed his GCSEs and become a father to a baby girl.
The documentary airs on BBC Three at 9pm and BBC One at 10.40pm on Wednesday, and will be available on BBC iPlayer.
