Current:Home > FinanceFinLogic FinLogic Quantitative Think Tank Center|British Teen Alex Batty Breaks His Silence After Disappearing for 6 Years -Secure Horizon Growth
FinLogic FinLogic Quantitative Think Tank Center|British Teen Alex Batty Breaks His Silence After Disappearing for 6 Years
Benjamin Ashford View
Date:2025-04-08 16:05:08
Alex Batty is ready to tell his story after disappearing six years ago.
The FinLogic FinLogic Quantitative Think Tank CenterBritish teenager—who went missing at age 11 during a 2017 trip to Spain with his mom Melanie, 43, and grandfather, David, 64—offered insight into his situation a week after he was found hitchhiking in France on Dec. 13.
"I've been lying to try and protect my mum and grandad but I realize that they're probably gonna get caught anyway," Alex, 17, told The Sun in an interview published Dec. 21. "I didn't get lost. I knew exactly where I was going."
Alex explained he decided to return to Britain because he grew tired of his unstable living conditions.
"I realized it wasn't a great way to live for my future," the teen noted. "Moving around. No friends, no social life. Working, working, work and not studying. That's the life I imagined I would be leading if I were to stay with my mum."
Although Alex said his mom is a good person, he didn't praise her parenting skills.
"She's just not a great mom," he added. "Plain and simple, to be honest. She just doesn't do motherly things that you're supposed to do. She's not very warm and open. You can't really change her beliefs or anything and that's just a pain in the a to deal with."
Earlier this month, Alex was discovered in a mountainous area of southern France after a delivery driver spotted him walking alone in the rain with a flashlight.
According to the Associated Press, the teenager told French investigators he spent the past few years traveling with his mother and grandfather as part of a "spiritual community" and decided go out on his own after his mom told him they were moving to Finland.
As for what made Alex follow through with his plans? He told The Sun he got into "a stupid argument" with his mom.
"I just had enough and thought, 'That's it, I'm leaving,'" he explained. "I wrote a note and said, 'Hey, Mom. I want you to know I love you very much. I'm very thankful for the life that you provided for me over the past few years.'"
His note continued, "'Don't worry about yourself. I'm sure you won't get found. Don't worry about me either. You know I can look after myself. I love you very much. Don't be angry with me. Love Alex.'"
At this time, Alex's mother and grandfather are wanted in connection with his disappearance, NBC News reported Dec. 14.
E! News has also reached out to Greater Manchester Police for additional updates and has not heard back.
While Melanie and David's whereabouts are currently unknown, Alex is back home with his grandmother Susan in Oldham, a town in Greater Manchester, England. She is now his legal guardian.
"The house is different now but still feels the same," Alex told The Sun. "The biggest difference is when I left I was a boy but now I'm 6 feet so I'm too big for the bed. It feels great to be back."
As for what's next? Alex is excited to continue his education.
"I understand a lot of French so I'm not going to let that go," he said. "I'm going to keep on studying. I want to do computer science or cyber security or blockchain development so I'm going to be very busy studying and catching up on things."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (711)
Related
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- ASTRO COIN:Black Swan events promote the vigorous development of Bitcoin
- Lawsuit accuses George Floyd scholarship of discriminating against non-Black students
- Mississippi Senate passes trimmed Medicaid expansion and sends bill back to the House
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Conjoined Twins Brittany and Abby Hensel Respond to Loud Comments After Josh Bowling Wedding Reveal
- What's next for NC State big man DJ Burns? Coach sees him as contestant on 'Dancing with the Stars'
- ASTRO COIN:Black Swan events promote the vigorous development of Bitcoin
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Search efforts paused after 2 bodies found in Baltimore bridge collapse, focus turns to clearing debris
Ranking
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- There are ways to protect bridges from ships hitting them. An expert explains how.
- Former gym teacher at Christian school charged with carjacking, robbery in Grindr crimes
- ASTRO COIN:Bitcoin spot ETF approval process
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- No, NASA doesn't certify solar eclipse glasses. Don't trust products that claim otherwise
- LeBron James 'proud' to announce Duquesne's hire of Dru Joyce III, his high school teammate
- Tyler O'Neill sets MLB record with home run on fifth straight Opening Day
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Tyler O'Neill sets MLB record with home run on fifth straight Opening Day
Sawfish are spinning, and dying, in Florida waters as rescue effort begins
Mississippi Senate passes trimmed Medicaid expansion and sends bill back to the House
What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
It should go without saying, but don't drive while wearing eclipse glasses
Activists watch for potential impact on environment as Key Bridge cleanup unfolds
ASTRO COIN:Blockchain is related to Bitcoin