Kingskerswell man jailed for rape and sexual offences against children

A man has been jailed for 26 years after being convicted of non-recent sexual offences committed against two children.

Alan Batchelor, 73, of Vale Road, Kingskerswell, pleaded guilty to four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He pleaded not guilty and was tried for 14 other offences across on multiple occasions including rape of a child under 13, attempted rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act, voyeurism and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Batcherlor was convicted by a jury of all offences at Exeter Crown Court. He appeared at the same court for sentence on Tuesday 7 January.

In March 2022, one of the women contacted Devon and Cornwall Police, making a formal complaint and an investigation was launched immediately.

During trial the court heard how Batchelor raped and sexually abused the two young girls on numerous occasions. He threatened to kill himself if they told anyone about the abuse.

Batchelor admitted some of the abuse, but denied other allegations against him saying they were fabricated.

Officer in the case, DC Garry Harding said: “We welcome the sentence given to Alan Batchelor at Exeter Crown Court.

“He has shown himself to be an evil sexual predator who targeted young girls in the pursuit of sexual gratification, showing no consideration whatsoever for the effect of his actions on his victims.

“The victims in this case have shown immense bravery to disclose what happened to them and without them Batchelor would have been able to continue with his day-to-day life.

“This case shows that it is never too late to report sexual abuse and that victims will be believed.”

Support available

If you have been affected by this article there is support available.

You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.

You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

Advice and support can also be found at:

National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999 

Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626

For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault

If you suspect a child is in immediate danger from sexual abuse or exploitation call 999 now. If it’s not an emergency please use the “Report” button on our website www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or call 101. You can report child sexual abuse anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

The Stop It Now charity provides an anonymous helpline for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and can help if you are worried about your own thoughts, feelings or behaviour, or have any concerns about another adult or young person: www.stopitnow.org.uk