Thomas Crabtree, who met the victim on Snapchat, engaged in a series of predatory behaviors, including sending sexually explicit videos and ultimately coercing the boy to meet him.

After driving from Bedford to Worthing in the early hours, Crabtree took the boy to a secluded area near the seafront, where he proceeded to assault him over a span of three and a half hours.

Despite the victim's repeated pleas to be taken home, Crabtree continued the attack until he eventually relented and drove the boy back.

Following his return, the boy disclosed the assault to his parents, leading to Crabtree's arrest at his residence in Norfolk.

Victoria Gedge from the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the premeditated nature of Crabtree's actions, highlighting the vulnerability of the young victim and the importance of the boy's disclosure for achieving justice.