Stephen-Lee McIlvenny, 21, from West Belfast, has been sentenced to a 23-year custodial sentence at Craigavon Crown Court for 77 charges of child sexual abuse crimes, including rape, adult causing or inciting a child between 13 and 16 to engage in sexual activity, and sexual assault by penetration.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years upon release.

McIlvenny befriended his victims, who were several years younger, by identifying common interests. He committed his offences between the ages of 16 and 19, abusing three young boys aged 14-15.

He used an elaborate ruse, claiming he was being sexually abused and forced to film intimate acts, to blackmail and coerce his victims, gaining absolute control over them through fear. In reality, he was never under threat and abused the boys for his own gratification.

He used threats of releasing images on social media to maintain their compliance. When his victims tried to distance themselves, he assaulted one of them, causing significant injuries. Detective Inspector Nikki Deehan from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Public Protection Branch said: "We welcome today's sentencing. McIlvenny is a child predator who brutally sexually exploited his young victims and inflicted long lasting trauma."

She thanked the victims for coming forward and urged other male victims to report abuse, assuring them they would be believed and supported.

A mother of one of the victims released an anonymous statement, highlighting the profound impact of the abuse on her son, including difficulties forming relationships, severe depression, and anxiety. She also pointed out the stigma around male victims of sexual crimes.

"The impact these sick crimes have had on my young son has been profound, affecting all aspects of his life," she stated. "There is still very much a stigma around male victims of sexual crimes that has made him feel like he has to carry shame. This has led to severe depression and anxiety."

She advised parents to trust their instincts and urged young boys to speak up if they are being targeted or abused.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to report any concerning activity, online or physical, towards a child to the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.