A man was charged with grooming and raping a teenage boy when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today (Monday 3 June).
Sussex Police said: “Police in Sussex have charged a man with grooming and raping a teenage boy.
“A boy under the age of 16 reported receiving sexual messages from a man on Snapchat, who arranged to meet in Worthing overnight on 3/4 April.
“The victim reported being raped, sexually assaulted and driven in a car for over three hours before managing to escape.
“The incident was reported to police on Tuesday 21 May and the victim is being supported by specialist officers while an investigation is carried out.”
Thomas Crabtree, also known as Will, of Sundew Close, in Bedford, was arrested and subsequently charged with a number of offences.
They include rape, assault by penetration, engaging in sexual communication with a child and causing a child to look at an image of sexual activity.
Crabtree, 35, was also charged with meeting a boy under 16 years of age following grooming and taking a child to remove them from a person having lawful control.
He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today and was remanded in custody to appear again at a crown court to be confirmed on Monday 1 July.
Detective Sergeant Paul Heal said: “These allegations have been treated with the upmost seriousness they deserve and the young victim and his family will continue to receive the full support of Sussex Police and our partners.
“We are asking anyone with information that could help the investigation to contact police online or via 101, quoting serial 1575 of 21/05.”
