Former YouTube singing star Austin Jones has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on child porn charges.
The social media star admitted coercing six underage female fans to send him explicit videos, and attempting to do the same to as many as 30 other victims.
Many were reluctant to comply. One told him she'd resorted to cutting herself due to his behaviour, according to his plea deal.
- YouTube star Austin Jones arrested on child pornography charges
- YouTube star Austin Jones pleads guilty to producing child porn
In court for his sentencing, his victims told the judge how his abuse had left them ashamed and suicidal.
"He made me feel so good about myself when I did what he wanted and so terrible when I didn't," one said. "He would use my dreams and my fandom to manipulate me."
Jones' lawyers claimed he himself is a victim of child sexual abuse, alleging he was molested for years by his now-deceased father.
"The tragedies in this courtroom today are just staggering," said his attorney, Terrence LeFevour.
"[Jones' father] was an evil, evil person, and the damage he did to his son had just radiated throughout this entire case."
And Jones himself spoke to the victims, apologising for his actions.
"To the victims of my actions, I want to say I'm so deeply sorry. All you ever did was support me, and I exploited that support… I was so selfish."
After the hearing, US District Judge John Lee sentenced Jones to 10 years in prison - double the mandatory minimum term of five years his lawyers requested, and one year less than prosecutors argued for.
"I realise that you yourself suffered a great deal while you were growing up, and I'm deeply sorry for the treatment you received from your own father," the judge said.
"But Mr Jones, you of all people should know the tremendous harm that you were causing these girls that you targeted and preyed upon when you were doing it."
Newshub.
