Robert Mikelsons, the man found guilty of sexually abusing dozens of very young children in the Amsterdam daycare scandal, has asked their parents to forgive him, Nos television reports.

Speaking at the end of his appeal court hearing against an 18-year sentence, Mikelsons said: ‘do not let your life be determined by someone who has hurt you. You are not alone. I cannot turn back the clock.’

‘I have wrecked many young lives,’ Mikelsons said. ‘I am well aware of this.’

Divorce

Earlier in the appeal hearing, parents of some of Mikelsons’ victims told of how their lives had been ruined by the abuse. Some couples had split up, others were forced to leave their homes because of the memories and guilt.

Latvian national Mikelsons, nicknamed the Monster of Riga by the Telegraaf, was found guilty of molesting 67 children but admitted to abusing 87 while working as a creche leader and babysitter during his original trial in May 2012.

He was sentenced to 18 years in jail to be followed by psychiatric prison. The public prosecution department wants a 20-year sentence.

Mikelsons worked at two city childcare centres between February 2007 and January 2010 and advertised his services as a babysitter.

The appeal court will give its verdict on April 26.