Former bishop of Lewes Peter Ball, 83, has been jailed at the Old Bailey for 32 months for abusing his power to exploit young aspiring priests for his own "selfish sexual motive" over 15 years.

Peter Ball used his position of high leadership to "identify, groom and exploit sensitive and vulnerable young men" over 15 years, the Old Bailey heard.

The former bishop, 83, preyed on his victims for sexual pleasure when they came to his home in Litlington, East Sussex.

Many were teenagers or in their early 20s at the time they sought out the bishop through his Give A Year For Christ scheme.

Last month, Ball, who has suffered ill health in recent years, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office after the failure of a last-ditch attempt to get the case thrown out.

Between 1977 and 1992 he abused his position "to manipulate and prevail upon others for his own sexual gratification" in relation to 16 young men.

He will serve half of his sentence in custody, meaning jail time of just one month for each of his victims.