Disgraced R&B singer R.kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing women, boys and girls for decades.

His sentencing was handed down on Wednesday, after being convicted by a federal jury in New York in last September.

Federal prosecutors had called for him to be locked up for more than 25 years to “protect the public”, but his defence had argued that a sentence of 10 years or less is all he deserves as he’s “not currently a risk”.

Sentencing Kelly today, Judge Ann Donnelly said he had used his “minions” to “lure young fans into your orbit”, and there were parts of his victims’ testimony she would “never forget”.

The performer appeared emotionless as his sentence was passed.

He was branded a “predator” who used his fame and fortune to “prey on the young, the vulnerable, and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification” following his conviction.