A pub chef has been jailed for 11 years for sexually abusing two boys more than 20 years ago.

Mark Naylor, 46, was convicted by a jury at Bradford Crown Court of sexually assaulting the boys, aged 11 and nine, and four offences of gross indecency.

Sentencing him yesterday, Judge Jonathan Rose branded Naylor’s crimes “foul and repulsive sexual abuse.” The judge praised the bravery of the victims, now men, saying they were honest, truthful and courageous witnesses in the trial.

Naylor, a former pub chef, committed the offences more than 20 years ago.

Judge Rose said the allegations would be charged as rape nowadays. Naylor, of Brougham Street, Skipton, stood impassively in the dock as the judge told him his “depravity and lust” had left both victims damaged. One had mental health problems and needed counselling and the other was left with a legacy of guilt.

Judge Rose said Naylor sought to blame his victims during his trial.

They had had to come to court to relive the awfulness of the abuse meted out by Naylor.

Naylor’s barrister, Simon Keeley, said he lived with his parents and was a hard working man who held down his job at the pub for many years.

He suffered from diabetes and had not committed any offences since. But Judge Rose told Naylor: “Your victims have carried this abuse in their minds for over 20 years.”

After the case, Detective Constable Shane Martin, of Skipton CID, said: “Mark Reginald Naylor subjected his two young victims to a series of sickening and degrading sexual assaults.

“I sincerely admire their bravery in coming forward to the police as adults.

“They will gain a measure of comfort and closure knowing that their abuser has finally been brought to justice and will be behind bars for a long time.

“This case again shows that it is never too late to report offences to the police.

“We are here to help and have a range of professional support available.

“Please don’t suffer in silence.”