Calgary Man Sentenced to 11½ Years After Pleading Guilty to Snapchat Luring of Teens
Hammad Shaikh pleaded guilty to seven offences involving sexual abuse of girls aged 12-16 he met on Snapchat and received an 11.5-year prison term in Calgary.
In a Calgary court, 26-year-old Hammad Shaikh changed his plea mid-trial, admitting guilt to seven counts of luring and sexually assaulting girls aged 12 to 16 after meeting them on Snapchat. Justice Eleanor Funk sentenced him to 11.5 years in prison, noting the severe harm caused. Several victims delivered powerful statements, recounting months of manipulation, provision of alcohol and marijuana, and sexual acts recorded on video.
One survivor, identified only as VK, said the abuse shattered her sense of intimacy, while another, LW, spoke of profound shame after being exploited at age 15. A third victim, PC, revealed she attempted suicide and now suffers serious mental-health issues. Shaikh also pleaded guilty to witness-tampering for trying to convince a victim to withdraw her police report. The court accepted a joint recommendation from prosecutors and defence counsel for the length of the sentence.
Why it matters
The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the severe impact of sexual exploitation on teen victims.
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