A court employee confirmed the sentence, issuedon Thursday, against Mohammed Ismail Ariffin, 36.

Ariffin had a fixation for touching or smelling women, particularly their armpits, and was convicted of molesting 23 women, his lawyer Noor Mohamed Marican said.

"He's got this problem. Poor chap," Noor said in a brief interview.

After reading an expert report that said Ariffin was likely to re-offend, Judge James Leong issued a preventive detention order, which means Ariffin will not be eligible for parole, The Straits Times said.

Ariffin, who is mildly retarded, would often attack his victims inside lifts, the report said.

It said Noor argued against a long sentence and in favour of rehabilitation and medical treatment.