Nicolas Stone, seen here in a former Facebook profile photo, was sentenced to 10 years behind bars. (CBC)

A man who pleaded guilty to various sexual offences after meeting dozens of girls online was sentenced to 10 years in prison, less time served, during an appearance at a Longueuil, Que., court on Wednesday.

In December 2009, Nicolas Stone pleaded guilty to 71 charges, including sexual assault, sexual contact and luring minors.

The 35-year-old father of three displayed no emotion as Judge Ellen Paré read the sentence.

The charges involve 55 different girls from the Montreal area and Quebec City, ranging in age from 12 to 17 years.

Stone, a graphic designer, would chat with the teenage girls on the internet, eventually pursuading them to pose nude and perform sexual acts in front of their webcams.

He admitted to producing pornographic material from those images.

Stone also lured a 13-year-old girl to meet him and sexually assaulted her.

Judge says case unique

Paré wrote in her judgment that there is not a cyberpredator case in Canadian jurisprudence that has involved so many victims.

The judge told Stone he needs help, and she wished him luck in dealing with his sexual deviance.

Paré also said the sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

"[Stone] has sought out treatment for his problems. He has made progress and he will continue to [get help]," said Stone's lawyer, Robert La Haye.

The prosecution said it is satisfied with the sentence.

Stone has been in prison since his arrest May 14, 2008.

The time served counts as double and reduces Stone's 10-year sentence to 5½ years.

He is eligible for a conditional release in just under two years.