Thomas Crabtree, convicted in court – a Bedford Paedophile who drove to Worthing to rape a 13-year-old boy after grooming him.
Thomas Crabtree, 35 of Sundew Close in Bedford, often sent sexually graphic photographs to a 13-year-old youngster he encountered on Snapchat.
Acting as a user named Will, Thomas Crabtree set up to meet his victim in Worthing on April 3, 2023, then picked him up in his car.
He raped the lad after driving him to a rural spot close to Goring Gap in Worthing.
Then Thomas Crabtree silently drove the lad around in his car before dropping him off in Worthing and heading back to Bedford.
The victim went through an ordeal several hours long.
Snapchat records revealed Thomas Crabtreeblocked the victim and erased all their chats before trying to get in touch again the next month.
The victim reported the police, and he and his family received specialised assistance that would last the whole judicial procedure.
Identified using the Snapchat account, Thomas Crabtree was detained.
Subsequently, he was charged with two counts of rape; assault by penetration; meeting a kid following sexual grooming; participating in sexual communication with a child; forcing a child to look at an image of sexual conduct and taking a child to remove him from a person having lawful control.
Thomas Crabtree was remanded in custody after confessing guilt to all counts at Hove Crown Court on Wednesday, July 10.
He will appear in court on September 12 to be sentenced and verified.
“Thomas Crabtree is a predator, who wilfully manipulated a small child and took advantage of him in the most horrible way,” Detective Chief Inspector Carrie Williams said.
“This boy went through an incredible struggle for hours, but he has shown great bravery and tenacity to help police bring his assailant to justice.
“I want to praise his family and our Bedfordshire Police and Norfolk Constabulary colleagues for their tenacity in bringing Crabtree into prison.
“Please report any sexual offending you experience to the police online or via 101. Dial 999 always in an emergency. We will believe you, back you, and do all we can to get you justice.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.