Man accused of grooming and raping teenager

Sussex Police have charged a man with grooming and raping a teenager.

A boy aged under 16 said he received sexual messages from a man on Snapchat, who arranged to meet him in Worthing on the night of April 3-4.

The victim said she was raped, sexually assaulted and driven in a car for more than three hours before managing to escape.

The incident was reported to police on May 21 and the victim is being supported by specialist officers while an investigation is carried out.

Thomas Crabtree, 35 – also known as Will – of Sundew Close in Bedford, was arrested and later charged with rape, assault by penetration, having sex with a child, bringing child This includes viewing an image of sexual activity, meeting a boy under 16 after grooming, and taking a child away from someone with legal control.

He was remanded in custody at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Monday June 3 and is due to appear again at a court to be confirmed on July 1.

Detective Sergeant Paul Heal said:

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

“We are asking anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact police online or via 101, quoting the number 1575 of 21/05.”