BEDFORD MAN THOMAS CRABTREE SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN WORTHING

A man from Bedford, Thomas Crabtree, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes involving a 13-year-old boy. The incident unfolded after Crabtree, aged 35 and residing on Sundew Close in Bedford, engaged in a disturbing online grooming campaign via Snapchat. Using the alias 'Will,' he repeatedly sent sexually explicit images to the young victim, establishing a manipulative and predatory relationship.

Crabtree's sinister intentions culminated on April 3, 2024, when he traveled from Bedford to Worthing to meet the boy in person. He arranged the meeting through Snapchat and then picked up the victim in his car. The journey led them to a secluded area near Goring Gap in Worthing, where Crabtree committed a sexual assault, raping the boy in a remote location. Following the assault, Crabtree drove the victim around in silence for a period before ultimately dropping him off in Worthing and returning to Bedford.

The ordeal lasted several hours, during which the young boy endured unimaginable trauma. Snapchat data revealed that Crabtree had initially blocked the victim and deleted all messages exchanged between them, attempting to erase evidence of his predatory behavior. However, he later tried to re-establish contact the following month, indicating a continued pattern of grooming and manipulation.

The victim, showing remarkable courage, reported the incident to police. His family received specialized support throughout the legal process, which was crucial in helping them cope with the trauma. Law enforcement officials identified Crabtree through his Snapchat account and swiftly arrested him. The charges against him included two counts of rape, assault by penetration, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, meeting a child following sexual grooming, and abducting a child.

Crabtree pleaded guilty to all charges during his court appearance at Hove Crown Court on July 10. On September 12, he appeared before Lewes Crown Court, where he was sentenced to ten years in prison. Additionally, he will serve six years on license following his release and will be registered on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. Detective Chief Inspector Carrie Williams commented on the case, stating, “Thomas Crabtree is a predator who, thanks to the bravery of this young boy, is now safely behind bars. He manipulated and took advantage of the boy, who suffered an unimaginable ordeal over several hours. The boy was incredibly courageous in helping bring his attacker to justice and ensure he poses no further risk to anyone. I would like to thank him and his family for their determination.”