February 2017 Pervert jailed for eight years for sexually abusing schoolgirl Paedophile Colin Crabtree has been jailed for eight years after sexually abusing a schoolgirl. The 52-year-old grandfather committed the offences in the late nineties and the early part of the following decade. His victim, who is now an adult, told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court how the abuse left her ‘completely shattered’, and battling alcohol and self-harm issues. Crabtree had initially denied the charges against him, but pleaded guilty shortly before his trial was due to start. Prosecutor Benjamin Lawrence said: “He put his hands under the victim’s clothing and sexually touched her. The offending has clearly had a significant impact on the victim.” The court heard Crabtree had previously received a caution in 2006 for possessing indecent photographs of a child. The victim broke down as she read a statement to the court about the effect the offences had had on her. She said: “It left me completely broken, with no confidence, low self-esteem and no self-respect. “I believed I was the cause of the abuse, that I deserved it.” Jailing Crabtree for eight years, Judge Paul Glenn said: “I have read a transcript of the victim’s video interview and she gave a graphic account of how she felt when you were doing these things to her. “Your actions have had a profound effect on her. She has shown immense courage and that’s more than can be said for you. “You say you were yourself abused. If anything that is an aggravating factor because you were still prepared to abuse someone else in the knowledge of the effect you say the abuse had on you.” Judge Glenn made an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will limit any future contact Crabtree, of Norris Road, Stanfield, can have with girls under the age of 16.