Man charged with grooming and raping teenager

Police in Sussex have charged a man with abusing and raping a teenager.

A boy under the age of 16 reported receiving sexual messages via Snapchat from a man with whom he had arranged to meet in Worthing on the night of April 3-4.

The victim reported being raped, sexually assaulted and driven around in a car for over three hours before escaping.

The incident was reported to police on May 21 and the victim is being assisted by specialist officers during the investigation.

Thomas Crabtree, 35 – also known as Will – of Sundew Close in Bedford, was arrested and subsequently charged with rape, penetrative assault, sexual communication with a child, inducing a child to engage in sexual activity, viewing an image of a child, meeting a boy under 16 following sexual advances and abducting a child from the control of a person using lawful force.

He was remanded in custody at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday (3 June) and is due to appear in court again on 1 July, pending confirmation of his conviction.

Detective Sergeant Paul Heal said:

“These allegations have been treated with the seriousness they deserve and the young victim and her family continue to receive the full support of Sussex Police and our partners.

“We ask anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact police online or on 101 quoting serial number 1575 of 21 May.”