Alex Batty wrote mum a poignant handwritten note just minutes before fleeing

22 December 2023 , 09:12

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Alex Batty is now back in the UK (Image: PA)

Alex Batty wrote his mother a heartbreaking note - in which he said he loved her but was capable of living on his own - before he left the commune in France.

The youngster penned the letter minutes before he fled the home in the Pyrenees with the intention to study computing at university. The 17-year-old boy also urged Melanie not be angry with him for walking out of their home for a new life.

But one final argument tipped him over the edge and he realised he had enough of the "pain in the a**" lifestyle forced on him by his mum. Although the argument was trivial, Alex packed a small rucksack full of clothes — leaving behind his prized sketch and reading books — and plotted his exit.

Speaking from his residency in the UK with gran Susan Caruana, Alex said: "I just had enough and thought, ‘That’s it, I’m leaving’. 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.

"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."

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Alex is pictured with mum Melanie and grandfather David Batty (Pixel8000)

Alex spoke to The Sun and said his mum, who uses the pseudonym Rose, now plans to travel to Finland with friends to see the Northern Lights. This has been disputed by other residences in the commune, which is near Chalabre, Aude.

Alex was living there with Melanie and his grandad, 64-year-old David, who he was always willing to listen to him about his concerns about their eccentric lifestyle. The teenager continued: "Grandad Batty is a great guy. He’s just a lot more like your grandfather should be, teaching you lessons and listening to me."

And the youth said he was keen to ensure his mum and grandad weren’t tracked down by police as he feared they could be arrested on suspicion of child abduction. So he invented a story about walking for four days through the mountains to put police in France off the scent.

Alex eventually boarded a 5.04pm KLM flight to Amsterdam on Saturday and connecting KLM flight 1081, which touched down in Manchester at 8.13pm. Police then drove him to his gran’s house in Nelson, Lancashire, for an emotional reunion. This was after he was found walking along a hillside road in the early hours of Wednesday morning last week.

Alex lived in this stone property with Melanie and David, as the former was keen on an 'alternative lifestyle' (Daily Mirror)

Ms Caruana, whom Alex said gave him a "massive hug", expressed her joy and relief after the youngster was found safe. Following a video call, in which she saw Alex for the first time in six years, she had said the new contact was "unbelievable". The pensioner continued: "I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well. The main thing is that he’s safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child."

It is believed she is now supporting Alex as he aims to pursue studies into computer science and cyber security. The teen said he wants to go to university to read this particular field. Alex also thanked the support he's received from social services, and the police since returning to the UK.

Bradley Jolly