One victim told the Melbourne Magistrates Court he still feels sick thinking about the abuse and says the impact has become worse with time, while the other said he didn'lt finish school because of the fear of it happening again.

The former Christian Brother used his position as a teacher at Ballarat's St Alipius Primary School in the 1970s to assault the pupils, who were aged about 10.

The court was told on Friday Farrell, 66, assaulted one of the boys on three occasions, by making him sit on his lap, placing his hand inside his trousers and fondling him.

The other boy had his genitals fondled by Farrell after he requested he change into his sports gear.

One victim spoke of the distress and anger caused by the abuse, saying it had changed him permanently.

"Sadly, I think the impacts have only increased as I've gotten older," he told the court.

"Perhaps that's due to being a parent myself and having a better insight into the deceit, treachery and betrayal.

"To this day it still makes me sick when I think about him pulling me onto his lap, undoing my pants, sticking his hand inside and groping me. I can't get rid of these memories."

The second victim became teary as he described how the abuse affected his education, and ultimately, prospects for a good job.

"After my experience, I was scared and embarrassed. I was ashamed," he said.

"I didn't want to go to school because I was frightened it would happen again.

"I would have loved to finish school. I just couldn't handle it."

Farrell pleaded guilty on Friday to two charges of indecent assault, each carrying a maximum five years' jail.

He has already received two suspended jail sentences for similar offending against three other victims about the same time.

Defence lawyer Belinda Franjic conceded the offending was serious but argued Farrell was a "vastly different" man now.

Farrell was 22 at the time, confused, lonely and miserable and in a "controlled and cold environment".

Now he was a loyal husband and hardworking family man who had reached "complete rehabilitation".

Ms Franjic urged the court to impose a suspended jail term.

"Looking back, he is appalled by his behaviour. He absolutely hated the person he was back then," she said.

"With the benefit of hindsight, he has over many years developed significant remorse."

However, prosecutor Manjot Singh called for jail time, saying the offending was predatory and "ruined two lives".

Mr Singh said Farrell chose to make a no-comment interview to police, which did not indicate remorse.

Farrell will be sentenced next week.

Australian Associated Press