13 September 2012 Last updated at 08:31 ET

Rapist Christopher Hughes asks for chemical castration

Christopher Hughes admitted nine charges of sexual assault and rape

A serial rapist and paedophile who has been jailed for 10 years has asked to be chemically castrated to stop him reoffending.

Former soldier and part-time fireman Christopher Hughes, 34, of Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, also apologised to his victims, including a 13-year-old girl.

Hughes, who admitted nine charges of sexual assault and rape, was glad he was caught, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

Judge Stephen Hopkins QC called Hughes a "wicked, wicked man".

The court heard that Hughes told police he needed to be chemically castrated to protect women.

In a handwritten letter to the court, he said: "I would like the opportunity to apologise and I take full responsibility for everything that happened.

"I am deeply sorry, I can find no excuse. I am looking to get the help I need."

Among his catalogue of offences, Hughes molested a 13-year-old schoolgirl and plied a 16-year-old with alcohol before sexually assaulting and raping her.

The court heard that the effect on his young victims was "incalculable".