Paedophile jailed for child sexual abuse

A PAEDOPHILE has been jailed for six years for sexually abusing a teenage boy.

Alan Battye (56), of Doncaster Road, Rotherham, was jailed at Sheffield Crown Court today (Tuesday) for offences against a boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, which he committed in 2016.

Battye pleaded guilty to 14 offences, including sexual activity with a child and making indecent photographs of children, at a previous hearing.

His offending came to light in 2016, when Derbyshire Police passed on information to officers in South Yorkshire, after an individual close to the victim reported concerns to police. 

Officers identified Battye, arrested him and seized his electronic devices, which contained indecent images of children.

Battye was put on the sex offender's register for life.

Det Con Alex Furniss, investigating officer, said: "I am pleased that Battye is now in prison for his awful crimes and I commend those involved in this case for coming forward to make their concerns known to police. 

“Battye held a position of trust locally and I understand that news of this case will be upsetting and distressing. 

“Such was the nature of Battye’s offending, his grooming of his victim, that they didn’t feel able to support our investigation.

"This can happen and is understandable given the manipulative nature of this type of criminality, as victims don’t always feel they have been victims. 

“We were able to build a solid case to put before the courts and Battye accepted responsibility for his crimes.

"He is now behind bars and I hope the victim is reassured by the action taken by officers to put this individual in prison where he can cause no further harm.” 

If you have concerns, please call police on 101. You can also call the national helpline Say Something on 116 000, or Childline on 0800 1111.