Thomas Crabtree, a 35-year-old man from Sundew Close in Bedford, has been convicted at court after grooming a 13-year-old boy on Snapchat and driving to Worthing to rape him.
Crabtree, posing as a user called “Will,” contacted the young victim on Snapchat and repeatedly sent him sexually explicit images. On April 3, 2023, Crabtree arranged to meet the boy in Worthing, picking him up in his car. He then drove the boy to a remote area near Goring Gap in Worthing, where he raped him.
Following the assault, Crabtree drove the boy around in silence before dropping him off in Worthing and returning to Bedford. The victim endured an ordeal lasting several hours.
Snapchat data later revealed that Crabtree had blocked the victim and deleted all messages between them before attempting to make contact again the following month. The victim reported the incident to the police, and he and his family have been receiving specialist support throughout the court process.
Crabtree was identified through his Snapchat account and subsequently arrested. He faced multiple charges, including two counts of rape, assault by penetration, meeting a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual communication with a child, causing a child to look at an image of sexual activity, and taking a child to remove him from a person having lawful control.
On Wednesday, July 10, at Hove Crown Court, Crabtree pleaded guilty to all counts and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear for sentencing on September 12.
Detective Chief Inspector Carrie Williams commented on the case, saying, “Thomas Crabtree is a predator, who wilfully manipulated a young boy and took advantage of him in the most appalling way. This child suffered an unimaginable ordeal lasting several hours but has shown incredible courage and resilience to report to police and help bring his attacker to justice.”
She added, “I would like to thank him and his family for their determination, and our partners in Bedfordshire Police and Norfolk Constabulary for their support in bringing Crabtree into custody. If you are a victim of sexual offending, please report it to police online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. We will believe you, support you, and do all we can to get you justice.”
