Tributes to Simon John Batten

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Exmouth biker Simon John Batten who was found dead on a cliff-face at Budleigh Salterton.

Mr Batten, 38, was discovered on Friday lunchtime on a cliff ledge close to East Devon Golf Club's 17th hole.

A large-scale operation involving police, Exmouth and Beer coastguards and the coastguard helicopter lasted for several hours to recover Mr Batten's body, which was discovered half way down an 80 foot cliff ledge.

The police said they were not treating Mr Batten's death as suspicious and were preparing to submit a report to the coroner.

This week, friends and work colleagues have paid tribute to a popular man who was known throughout East Devon for his love of motorcycles.

The Harley Davidson rider was a member of the coveted Satan Slaves motorcycle group.

It is expected scores of bikers from across the region will form a motorcycle cortege at Mr Batten's funeral.

Mr Batten was married with children from a previous marriage and had family in Dalwood, near Axminster.

He had been working as a casual builder for Barry Olds, of Exmouth, for the past two months.

Honiton-based King Rollo Films owner and managing director Leo Nielsen, where Simon had worked for around six years, this week led the tributes.

Mr Nielsen said Simon had been an 'extremely' competent computer technician and a quick learner, whose skills were an asset to the animation company.

Mr Nielsen said: "He was an extremely intelligent guy and he always performed extremely well for us. I was shocked and saddened to hear he had died."

Former colleagues at CeramTec in Colyton, where Mr Batten worked from July 1987 until March 1996, said they were 'shocked' to hear the news of his death.

A spokesman said Mr Batten joined the company as a young man and took up various positions over the years, ending up in the cutting department as a machine setter.

He said: "Everyone who knew Simon here is saddened to hear about his death.

"He was a very likable young man, with a keen sense of humour and was a pleasure to work with.

"Things that stick in people's minds at the factory are his tattoos, his body jewellery and he was well known for driving around in a Ford Capri."

Since Mr Batten's body was found by a dog walker, police have been taking statements from friends to track his last movements ahead of compiling a report for the coroner.

Detective Sergeant Pete Jones, of Exmouth CID, said: "The post mortem has now been conducted and it has not revealed anything suspicious.

"The body has now been released to the family for burial."

An original plan to lower a scene of crime officer down to Mr Batten's body to investigate was deemed too risky due to the treacherous terrain.

Exmouth and Beer coastguard teams recovered Mr Batten's body onto a stretcher, which was airlifted to the golf course.

Walkers using the footpath were diverted onto the golf course while the recovery and investigations took place.

READERS' TRIBUTES:

In loving memory of a dear Cousin, RIP Si.

Love Sue King, Worcester Park, Surrey

Si, it was a priveledge to have known you, and you had an outstanding character. You will be missed, take care, Barry, Dawn and Finley Bentham.

It was a pleasure to work with you Si

In our thoughts, Lee & Rhonda.

Such sad news. Simon was a lovely guy with a great personality. It was a real pleasure to have worked with him at King Rollo Films.

My sympathies to his family. Alison Beal Scrase.

After going to school with Simon at Colyton Grammar and working with him at Ceramtech Colyton, I was totally shocked to read of his death. My thoughts are with his family at this sad and difficult time. Always to be remembered Aimon. Rest in peace. Meryl xxxx

RIP Uncle Si ... forever in our hearts xx

Gemma

Simon was a lovely, funny and intelligent man. Those that knew and loved him will miss him so much. He would have been equally proud and bemused at the heartfelt tribute that has been paid to him today. We will always remember him for the person he was.

M. E. & R. L Holmes

It is with sadness in my heart that's it's time to say good bye to you. I was the one who know a softer side of you. I still own a complete life study in black & white of every one of your tattoo images that will live on for ever good bye biker boy xx

Debbie

It was with great shock at hearing the sad news of Simon's death. I am writing this he used to live next door to me a few years back, he was so friendly he would do anything for anyone without being asked he will be truly missed,you could not wish for a better neighbour.

Karen Harris

I would like to pay my respects to Simon. my cousin, who I never realy saw much as we got older but still heard lots about him and sounded like a really nice bloke and it must be true by the way all the people turned up to pay their respects to him. God rest your soul Simon and all my love to my uncle John. Thinking of you, love Anthony

Simon, a true loss to everyone that knew him. Biker or not he always made you feel welcome, a better friend than any man could ask for. I hope you find peace and happiness. David.

I was an friend of Simons at school. He was in the year above but we spent time together as we shared the same friends. I saw him only a handful of times since school. Some people after school don't always want to know you or pretend they don't recognize you but Simon was different, the most genuine and likeable mate you could come across.

Paul Clode

Simon Batten, you may be gone but you will not be forgotten,you live on in our hearts and in our memories,rest in peace,you truly were a good soul.

Anon by email

I love you so much daddy I can't believe you're gone. I love you and I miss you r.i.p my darling dad. I love you . Never ever be forgotton

Jjordan

xxx

I was shocked and saddened to hear about Simon. I knew him when we were teenagers, and I often wondered how his life turned out. After reading all the tributes and seeing the footage of the funeral cortege he was obviously much loved and respected by all who knew him. The world is a poorer place without him in it.. Rest in Peace Simon, from Laura x