A former Perth child psychiatrist has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing young patients at his medical clinic in Perth's south.

Benjamin Wen, 52, was sentenced in the Western Australian District Court on Wednesday, 7 October. The court heard that he sexually abused young boys who were patients at his clinic in Cockburn between 2012 and 2016. Wen was convicted earlier this year of multiple offences, including indecent dealing with a child under 13 and persistent sexual conduct with a child under 16.

The offending involved boys who had been receiving treatment from Wen. During consultations, he allegedly used the explanation of medical examinations to touch the children's genitals. The court heard that Wen described these examinations as routine "puberty checks", but the conduct was later found to constitute sexual abuse.

The case came to greater public attention after Wen's previous criminal history became known. In 2017, he received a suspended sentence after being convicted over recordings he made of boys in public toilets. Those recordings had been made in several countries, including Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. Following publicity surrounding that earlier case, parents of some of Wen's former patients contacted Western Australian police, leading to further investigations into his conduct as a psychiatrist.

During sentencing proceedings, the court heard that Wen had a number of significant health conditions and mobility difficulties. His lawyer argued that imprisonment would be particularly difficult for him because of his physical limitations. The court nevertheless imposed a substantial custodial sentence reflecting the seriousness and persistence of the offending.

Under the sentence, Wen will need to serve eight years and six months before becoming eligible for parole. His imprisonment marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal process involving evidence from former patients and investigations into his conduct while working as a medical professional.

The case has also raised concerns about the abuse of trust that can occur when professionals working with children misuse their position. Medical practitioners who treat young patients hold a significant responsibility to protect their patients' welfare, and allegations of misconduct in clinical settings can have long-lasting consequences for victims and their families.

The sentencing provides a formal court outcome in the case, with the judge determining the punishment after considering the convictions and circumstances presented during the proceedings.

The case involved serious sexual offences against children, and support services remain available to people affected by sexual abuse or other trauma.