Pair jailed for historical abuse of boys

Two men who groomed a pair of brothers from a dysfunctional family by giving them treats and taking them out, then repeatedly sexually abused them 30 years ago, have been jailed for a combined 14 years.

Richard Charles Coombs, 75, and Alex Carl Mills, 76, abused a boy who Coombs had employed at his Perth car detailing business and the teenager's brother when the children were aged between 9 and 16 from 1985-1988.

Judge Anette Schoombee noted during sentencing in the West Australian District Court on Tuesday that the older boy said he "felt like s***" after one sexual incident.

She said the abuse of the boys, which included oral sex and sexual penetration, was a breach of trust and the men showed no concern about the effect it could have on the children.

Judge Schoombee said the men normalised the sexual conduct and it resulted in shame, embarrassment and confusion for the boys.

The victims had been vulnerable as children and their evidence at trial as adults had been compelling, she added.

The court heard Mills had no prior convictions, but Coombs had been convicted of indecently assaulting a boy and Judge Schoombee said that showed his offending was not an isolated incident or out of character.

Mills and Coombs are originally from New Zealand and met in the navy when they were teenagers, but deny being in a relationship.

They live together and Coombs became Mills' carer after he developed arthritis in his hands, the court heard.

Coombs was sentenced to nine years in prison and must serve a minimum of seven years before he can be eligible for parole.

Mills was jailed for five years and must serve at least three years behind bars.