A former bishop has been jailed for sexually abusing a boy over a five-year period.

Anthony Pierce, 84, who was bishop of Swansea and Brecon between 1999 and 2008, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a child under the age of 16.

He carried out the assault whilst working as a parish priest in West Cross, between 1985 and 1990.

Judge Catherine Richards told Pierce: “You exploited his age and your position of trust.”

The former clergyman was sentenced to serving four years and one month – with half spent in prison and half on licence.

The survivor said he could still recall “exactly how I felt as the abuse took place”.

“I had an overwhelming sense of embarrassment, as I could not feel the courage to say no,” he told the court.

"I have very low self-esteem and self-worth. I do not have friends. I feel trapped as I'm unable to move past the trauma of what happened.”

A spokesperson for the Church in Wales told BBC Wales: “Anthony Pierce has abused his position, disgraced his church and, worst of all, has inflicted appalling and lasting trauma on his victim.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim in this case, who has shown immense courage in reporting what are deeply painful experiences. We offer him the most heartfelt apology for what he has had to endure."

It was also revealed that a separate allegation of abuse by Pierce had been reported to the Church in 1993 – but it was not passed onto police until 17 years later.

The victim has now passed away, without a trial being done. The Church has now begun an independent review into the account.

Pierce will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.