Paedophile jailed after pursuing 11-year-old on Snapchat and WhatsApp

Kamir Khan, 31, groomed an 11-year-old via Snapchat and Whatsapp. (SWNS)
Kamir Khan, 31, groomed an 11-year-old via Snapchat and WhatsApp. (SWNS)

A paedophile has been jailed after grooming and abusing an 11-year-old girl, bombarding her with more than 4,000 lewd messages and photos over three months.

Kamir Khan, 31, pursued his victim over Snapchat and WhatsApp, asking her to send nude pictures and telling her loved her and wanted to marry her, South Yorkshire Police said.

He also touched the girl inappropriately on two occasions in February and March 2019.

Khan, from Rotherham — which has been at the centre of a widespread child abuse scandal — admitted two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and engaging in sexual communication with a child.

He was jailed for four-and-a-half years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

A general view of Sheffield Crown Court, Sheffield.
Khan was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Sheffield Crown Court. (PA)

South Yorkshire Police said Khan sent the girl over 4,000 messages over a three-month period and at one point even told her he loved her and wanted to marry her.

He pursued her over Snapchat and WhatsApp, sending lewd photos and asking her to send naked pictures of herself to him, which she refused to do.

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The 31-year-old’s abuse of the girl emerged when her mum went through her phone and found the messages from someone called “Zayn”.

The girl confessed about what had been going on and the police were alerted.

Investigating officer Rachel Scott said: “Khan preyed on his victim over a period of months, taking full advantage of her age, and her vulnerability.

“He manipulated her into thinking he was her boyfriend, and it was normal for him to send her such explicit messages.

“This girl has been incredibly strong throughout this inquiry and I couldn’t be prouder of how much she has assisted our investigation.”

She added: “I want to take this opportunity to remind young people to consider their safety online and never give out personal details or share intimate pictures.

“To parents, if your child is on social media sites, please be vigilant and regularly ask who they are speaking to.”

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