Bedford man convicted of sexually assaulting and raping 13-year-old boy in Worthing

A Bedford man who abused a 13-year-old boy and drove to Worthing to rape him has been convicted in court.

Thomas Crabtree, 35, of Sundew Close in Bedford, contacted a 13-year-old boy via Snapchat and repeatedly sent him sexually explicit images.

Crabtree posed as a user named Will, arranged to meet his victim in Worthing on April 3, 2023, and picked her up in his car.

He drove the boy to a remote area near Goring Gap in Worthing and raped him.

Crabtree then drove the boy around in his car in silence before dropping him off in Worthing and returning to Bedford.

The victim was subjected to torture lasting several hours.

Snapchat data showed that Crabtree blocked the victim and deleted all messages between them before attempting to contact her again the following month.

The victim reported to police and he and his family were provided with professional support, which police say will continue throughout the court proceedings.

Crabtree was identified and arrested via the Snapchat account.

He was subsequently charged with two counts of rape, sexual assault, meeting a child after sexually instigating a sexual relationship, sexual communication with a child, causing a child to view images of sexual acts, and kidnapping a child from the possession of a person having lawful control of the child.

Last Wednesday (July 10), Crabtree pleaded guilty to all charges at Hove Crown Court and was remanded in custody.

He will appear in court on September 12 for sentencing.

Detective Chief Inspector Carrie Williams said:

“Thomas Crabtree is a predator who deliberately manipulated and exploited a young boy in the most horrific way.

“This child endured an unimaginable ordeal for several hours, but he showed incredible courage and resilience by reporting to police and helping to bring his attacker to justice.

“I would like to thank him and his family for their determination and our partners at Bedfordshire Police and Norfolk Constabulary for their assistance in apprehending Crabtree.

“If you have been the victim of a sexual crime, please report it to the police online or on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. We will believe you, support you and do everything we can to ensure you get justice.”