A FORMER Swansea business- man who sexually assaulted two boys 20 years ago has been jailed for six years.

The two victims have been left with severe psychological scars as a result of his abuse, Swansea Crown Court heard.

One has spoken of the pain and suffering he has had to endure.

In a victim impact statement, he said he will be "physically and mentally scarred" for the rest of his life.

He suffers depression, he said, adding: "I can't get it out of my head and forget what occurred."

The other victim said his life had become chaotic.

He had turned to alcohol, and had attempted suicide in the past.

"The episode has turned my life upside down," he said.

Raymond Hughes, of Mariners Quay, Aberavon, appeared before the court for sentence, having admitted five counts of indecent assault on a young male, between December 1987 and December 1989.

The 55-year-old also pleaded guilty to a serious sexual assault on a second boy, between December 1989 and October 1991.

At the time of the offences, Hughes, a former boat skipper, had been living in Swansea and was running a fishing tackle and bait shop.

The court was told by prosecutor Catrina Hughes the offences had come to light following an initial complaint lodged in 2001.

Barrister John Hipkin, for Hughes, said there had been external pressures on him in the late 1980s.

"He has had to come to terms with what he has done," he told the judge.

He said there are issues concerning Hughes's health, and the prison authorities will need to be told of the risk of self-harm.

"By facing up to what he has done, the defendant's life, he feels, is at an end," said Mr Hipkin.

In sentencing, Judge Gerald Price QC said: "The psychological scars of both boys are clear from their witness statements."

He jailed Hughes for six years, banned him for life from working with children and directed that his name should be on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.

A co-accused, 42-year-old Barry Thomas, has entered a not guilty plea to a charge of indecently assaulting a young male.

Thomas, of Hendra Road, Rumney, Cardiff, and formerly of Kenfig Place, Bonymaen, Swansea, had the matter against him adjourned until Friday.