'He used his status to lure victims': YouTuber Dee Kosh jailed for sexual offences involving teenage boys

SINGAPORE - YouTuber Darryl Ian Koshy, who committed various sexual offences, including offering cash to a boy below 18 for sexual services, was jailed for 32 weeks on Friday (Aug 5).

Better known as Dee Kosh, the 33-year-old will begin serving his sentence on Friday.

Koshy had pleaded guilty in May to one charge of offering cash to a minor for sexual services.

And to another charge under the Children and Young Persons Act for the attempted sexual exploitation of a young person.

He had also pleaded guilty to a charge under the Films Act after filming himself in 2016 or 2017 engaging in sex acts with a man aged between 23 and 25.

Four other charges were taken into consideration during his sentencing.

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On Wednesday (Aug 3),Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Ying Min had sought a sentence of five to eight months' jail, saying Koshy's offences were highly premeditated as he had deliberately and persistently sought out minors.

She said Koshy had used and capitalised on his status as a radio presenter and influencer to lure his victims.

Koshy's lawyer Johannes Hadi had argued for his client to get a sentence of two-and-a-half months' jail, highlighting his client's remorse with low prospects of re-offending.

For offering cash to a youngster below 18 in exchange for sexual services, Koshy could have been jailed for up to two years and fined.

For the attempted sexual exploitation of a young person, he could have been jailed for up to five years, fined up to $10,000, or both under the Children and Young Persons Act.

ALSO READ: 'I'm not a paedophile': Dee Kosh breaks silence on scandal

This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.