Awais Sheikh’s Shocking Journey from Sheffield to Telford
Awais Sheikh, 28, has been locked up for two years after travelling from Sheffield to meet a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Telford. The Rotherham man was caught after grooming the teenager online and meeting her in person. He was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday, April 13, for the serious offence of meeting a child following sexual grooming.
Groomed Online Using Fake Age
Sheikh used Snapchat and Instagram to contact the girl in October 2024. Pretending to be 25 when he was actually 28, he sent her friend requests and flattering messages. The victim first ignored the friend request but eventually accepted and immediately told him she was 15. Rather than backing off, Sheikh continued messaging her, complimenting her appearance.
From School Pickup to Police Arrest
A few weeks later, Sheikh made the 100-mile drive from Yorkshire to Telford to pick the girl up from school. After meeting her outside, he took her to McDonald’s before heading to a secluded spot near the Wrekin. The girl was reported missing, prompting police action. Officers located her at the Wrekin, where they found condoms and cannabis in Sheikh’s car glovebox. Sheikh was arrested and eventually charged.
Sentence and Sex Offender Registration
On Monday, Sheikh was sentenced to 22 months in prison for the grooming charge, plus an additional two months for breaching a suspended sentence. The judge also ordered him to be placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. This case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the swift justice that follows such reckless predatory behaviour.
