Frenchman sentenced to 3 years for helping 14-year-old girl who tried to join Islamic State

PARIS – A father of three who helped a 14-year-old girl try to join an Islamic State recruiter in Syria has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Riad Ben Cheikh received a three-year sentence on Tuesday, with one year suspended. He has already been jailed 10 monthssince his arrest for helping the girl in the French city of Lyon. Ben Cheikh, who has a daughter the same age, said he had never met the recruiter dubbed Tony Toxiko but was doing a favor for someone who shared his religion and outlook.

Tony Toxiko promised to marry Amelia. She was caught at the airport in February 2014.

The girl, identified as Amelia, is believed to be in Syria with another extremist fighter.

Ben Cheikh faced up to 10 years in prison.