A former teacher who abused and assaulted four boys during the 1970s and 80s before trying to cover up the crimes has been sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Philip Batten, 70, a former teacher at Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Reigate, was convicted of 42 charges including gross indecency, child cruelty, buggery and indecently assaulting a child.
Royal Alexandra and Albert School. Pic credit: Google Maps
Batten, who now lives in Taunton, Somerset, was found guilty at Guildford Crown Court of indecently assaulting three boys.
The offences predominantly took place at his former home in Reigate.
He was also convicted of child cruelty against a fourth boy, who was one of his pupils.
Batten violently assaulted the boy when he was 11 or 12 years-old.
He then took steps to conceal the abuse from other pupils and teachers.
Investigating officer Detective Constable James Chapman, from the Surrey Police complex abuse unit, said: "These offences have had a lasting effect on those involved with some of the victims only disclosing the offences for the first time in recent years, keeping the crimes to themselves and going through years of turmoil.
"Although those involved in these horrendous crimes have now spoken with their loved ones and police, the judicial process has brought back haunting memories, some of which they had put out of their minds for many years.
"The sentence handed to Batten will never undo the appalling offences he committed but I hope it will go some way to bring a form of closure to those he abused and allow them to move on with their lives.”
Detective Inspector Richard Haycock said: "The Surrey Police complex abuse unit is designed to thoroughly investigate offences such as those Batten committed. Offences which can be multifaceted, lengthy and require expertise are investigated by this dedicated unit.
"I hope anyone who has been a victim of a similar offence will put their confidence in Surrey Police and speak with officers about their experience. We want to ensure all victims get the appropriate help and bring offenders to justice.”
For more information about the help and support available visit the Surrey Police website at www.surrey.police.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article