THOMAS BATTEN FROM MELKSHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE

In October 2018, Thomas Batten, a man residing in Chadwick Close, Melksham, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses involving young girls. The case, heard at Bristol Crown Court, revealed disturbing details of Batten's predatory behavior towards three minors in the Weston-super-Mare area.

According to court proceedings, Batten befriended three girls, all under the age of 13, and engaged in inappropriate conduct with them. He reportedly offered two of the girls cigarettes and alcohol as a means of gaining their trust before briefly touching them inappropriately. The court heard that Batten also enticed one of the children to touch him intimately, further demonstrating his manipulative tactics.

The jury convicted Batten of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl. Additionally, he was found guilty of three separate charges involving a third girl, aged 13, with whom he engaged in sexual activity. The severity of his actions and the impact on the victims were emphasized during the sentencing.

Judge Julian Lambert sentenced Batten to three years in prison, highlighting the seriousness of his offenses. In his remarks, the judge stated, "You have a long-standing and deep-seated interest in the young," underscoring the predatory nature of Batten's behavior.

Furthermore, Batten was subjected to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having contact with anyone under the age of 16 unless explicitly permitted by parental consent. The order also bans him from engaging in online contact with minors and restricts his internet usage to prevent further abuse.

As part of his legal obligations, Batten is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The court detailed the nature of his abuse, noting that he touched one girl’s bare chest and another girl’s leg over her clothes. He also groped a third girl’s leg and intimate area over her clothing, with the victim placing her hand on his private parts during the incident.

Prosecutor Charles Thomas presented a victim impact statement, revealing the profound effects of the abuse. One of the victims described suffering from panic attacks and a loss of trust in adults, illustrating the lasting trauma inflicted by Batten’s actions.

Overall, the case highlights the serious consequences faced by Batten for his predatory conduct and the ongoing measures to protect vulnerable minors from further harm.