Living “Off-Grid” in France: A Teenager’s Astonishing Photos Surface-
Newly released images provide a glimpse into the life of Alex Batty, the missing teenager who, for the past six years, had been living “off-grid” in France with his mother, Melanie, and grandfather, David.
The photographs depict the 17-year-old engaging in everyday activities, such as visiting a school, cycling along a disused railway line, and sitting at a computer screen.
Alex Batty Speaks Out About His Unconventional Lifestyle
In a recent interview with The Sun, Alex opens up about his unconventional lifestyle, describing his mother as a “great person” but acknowledging her shortcomings as a mother.
The teenager vanished without a trace, and these images shed light on the obscure period when he was out of the public eye.
Exclusive Photos from Gite de la Bastide: A Farmhouse Stay
The exclusive pictures, obtained by MailOnline, were taken by Frederic Hambye and Ingrid Beauve, owners of Gite de la Bastide, a French farmhouse where Alex stayed during his time abroad.
One notable image, taken at a prestigious IT secondary school in Perpignan, shows Alex attempting to enroll under the alias Zack Edwards, his real name, in an attempt to lead a normal life.
School Enrollment Raises Alarms and Police Inaction
Although Alex impressed teachers with his online application, suspicions arose when he provided the false name Zack Edwards.
Despite the school’s principal alerting the police, the authorities took no immediate action, citing a national police strike as a factor.
Farmhouse Hosts Share Their Perspective
Frederic and Ingrid, hosts at Gite de la Bastide, express their delight at hosting Alex, whom they knew as Zach. Alex and his grandfather, known as Peter, would stay at the farmhouse for several months, doing odd jobs in exchange for room and board.
The hosts were unaware of Melanie’s presence, and Alex left earlier this month to return to Britain for ID papers.
Alex’s Return to Manchester and Ongoing Investigation
Having returned to Manchester last weekend, Alex is now under the care of his grandmother, Susan Caruana, his legal guardian.
Greater Manchester Police have launched a criminal investigation into his disappearance during a 2017 holiday to Spain with his mother and grandfather.
In interviews, Alex admits to embellishing details of his escape to protect his family but acknowledges the likelihood of their eventual discovery.
Grandfather’s Well-Being Contradicts Previous Beliefs
Contrary to previous beliefs that Alex’s grandfather was deceased, MailOnline confirms he is alive and well. Recent sightings in a Pyrenees village contradict French authorities’ earlier statements about his supposed demise.
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