A WOMAN was jailed for two years yesterday for having sex with two boys.

Susan Garbutt, 48, told police she had sex with a boy aged 13 or 14, up to eight times, and on a single occasion with a 12-year-old.

Durham Crown Court heard that the offences came to light when a teacher overheard the older boy bragging to school friends.

Garbutt initially denied the allegations when questioned by police, but fully admitted the offences in a second interview.

Alex Burns, prosecuting, said Garbutt told police it took place seven to eight times with the older boy, and on each occasion she had been drinking and taking tablets.

Since the offences came to light, she told officers she felt like killing herself, added Mr Burns.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said Garbutt, of previous good character, has suffered an undiagnosed mental illness and had attempted to take her life on one occasion.

"She's disgusted with herself and cannot understand why she did it."

Garbutt, of Grasmere Terrace, South Hetton, County Durham, admitted three offences of indecent assault.

Jailing her, Judge Richard Lowden said: "You had sex with these two boys who were 12, 13 or 14 years of age.

"Clearly, these are very serious offences.

"You are 48 and of previous good character.

"However, you left these boys confused. Young boys are just as entitled as little girls to grow up sexually without being interfered with by adults."

Judge Lowden ordered Garbutt to sign the sex offenders' register for ten years.