BOURNEMOUTH MAN JAILED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEEN
A dangerous sex attacker has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a drunken teenager.Detectives have labeled Ronald Crabtree as a "predatory sex offender" and have encouraged potential victims to come forward.
Crabtree, aged 51, was convicted by a jury on a Friday of a serious sexual crime and received a four-year prison sentence.
The Bournemouth Crown Court heard that Crabtree encountered the young man after "cruising" around Bournemouth's busy club and pub scene early Saturday morning on February 23.
He then supplemented his efforts with alcohol to ensure the teenager was "out of it" before assaulting him.
Prosecutor Charles Gabb revealed that Crabtree, who lives alone in Cavendish Road, Bournemouth, took photographs of the young man on his mobile phone prior to assaulting him.
Crabtree claimed the act was consensual.
The victim, a 19-year-old visiting Bournemouth with five friends, remembers nothing about the incident.
Police discovered pictures of other young men on Crabtree's mobile phone, often slumped on his bed.
Initial charges of rape and attempted rape were dropped during the trial following judicial instructions.
Detective Sergeant Phil Swanton from Bournemouth CID described Crabtree as a "predatory sex offender".
He added that Crabtree typically targets drunk young males picked up from the streets and emphasized that although the offence was very serious, it is quite unusual.
DS Swanton praised the victim for his bravery in coming forward and expressed the possibility of additional victims, urging others to contact the police.
Anyone with information is advised to contact DS Swanton at Bournemouth CID on 01202 222222.
The article also notes that Crabtree may have assaulted other young men, underscoring the need for more potential victims to step forward.
