SINGAPORE - A 20-year-old youth, after going absent without leave from national service, tricked a 13-year-old girl to his flat, locked her in and tried all ways and means to get her to have sex with him.

He offered her money, pinned her down on the bed, punched her on the head and threatened her with a knife.

The girl finally relented when she felt she had no choice but to have sex with him so that she could go home.

On Friday, the youth pleaded guilty to aggravated rape, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation and causing hurt to the girl.

He also pleaded guilty to three other charges of sex with a minor, which involved other girls, who were aged 13 and 14 at the time. One of the girls, who became pregnant and underwent an abortion, is still his girlfriend.

The prosecution asked for the youth to be sentenced to 12 years' jail and 12 strokes of the cane but his lawyer asked for him to be sent for reformative training, which can last for between 18 months and three years.

Sentencing was adjourned as the High Court called for a pre-sentencing report to determine if he was suitable for reformative training.