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A man has been charged with grooming and raping a teenage boy in Sussex.

The boy, who is 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.

Sussex Police said the victim reported being raped, sexually assaulted and driven in a car for over three hours before managing to escape.

Thomas Crabtree, 35, of Sundew Close, Bedford, appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with rape, assault by penetration and engaging in sexual communication with a child.

Sussex Police said the incident was reported on 21 May and specialist officers were supporting the victim.

Mr Crabtree, who is also known as Will, was also charged with causing a child to look at an image of sexual activity, meeting a boy under 16 years of age following grooming, and taking a child to remove them from a person having lawful control.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 1 July.

Det Sgt Paul Heal said: “The young victim and his family will continue to receive the full support of Sussex Police and our partners."

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