Bedford Man Jailed for Grooming and Raping 13-Year-Old Boy
Thomas Crabtree, 35, from Sundew Close, Bedford, has been convicted for grooming a 13-year-old boy on Snapchat and driving to Worthing to rape him.
Posing as ‘Will’ to Groom Victim
Crabtree contacted the boy on Snapchat under the fake name “Will,” sending sexually explicit images. On April 3, 2023, he arranged to meet the boy in Worthing, picked him up in his car, and drove him to a remote spot near Goring Gap where he committed the rape.
Horrific Ordeal Lasted Hours
After the attack, Crabtree drove the stunned victim around silently before dropping him off in Worthing and heading back to Bedford. The boy endured a terrifying ordeal that lasted several hours.
Snapchat data showed Crabtree blocked the victim and deleted all messages before trying to contact him again the following month. The victim bravely reported the attack to police and has received specialist support throughout the investigation.
Crabtree Pleads Guilty, Faces Sentencing
Identified via Snapchat, Crabtree was arrested and charged with two counts of rape, assault by penetration, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual communication with a child, and other offences. On July 10 at Hove Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to all charges and was remanded in custody. Sentencing is set for September 12.
Detective Chief Inspector Carrie Williams said, “Thomas Crabtree is a predator who wilfully manipulated a young boy and took advantage of him in the most appalling way. This child suffered an unimaginable ordeal lasting several hours but has shown incredible courage and resilience to report to police and help bring his attacker to justice.”
She added, “I thank the victim and his family for their determination, and our partners at Bedfordshire and Norfolk police for their support. If you are a victim of sexual offences, please report it to police online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. We will believe you, support you, and do all we can to get you justice.”
