Chen Caijin, 34, was sentenced on Oct. 28 to 19 years, one month, two weeks and 14 days in prison, along with the maximum 24 strokes of the cane. His offences took place between 2010 and 2014, when the victims were aged nine to 16.

He admitted to eight charges, seven involving offences against the victims, according to The Straits Times.

Judge Mavis Chionh acknowledged that Chen was between 17 and 20 when he committed the offences but described his behavior as a "disturbing pattern of conduct." He befriended the boys, gained their affection and introduced physical contact that became progressively more serious.

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The judge also noted that Chen had admitted to molesting fellow inmates while on remand, although no reports were made.

However, Chionh accepted defence lawyer Alysha Ratnam’s argument that the offences would probably have remained undiscovered had Chen not confessed and surrendered, AsiaOne reported.

She also recognized other indications of genuine remorse, including his decision to voluntarily receive injections to reduce his testosterone levels.