MARK NAYLOR, THE CRANWELL RAF BANDSMAN, SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING LINCOLNSHIRE SCHOOLGIRL

In August 2009, a disturbing case emerged involving Mark Naylor, a former RAF bandsman stationed at RAF Cranwell, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl from Lincolnshire. Naylor, a saxophonist renowned for performing at prestigious events across the globe with the Band of the Royal Air Force and the RAF Regiment Band, saw his career and reputation shattered as a result of his criminal actions.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that Naylor, aged 43 and previously residing on Primrose Close at RAF Cranwell, was found guilty of 14 separate charges related to sexual activities with a girl who was only 14 years old at the time. The offences took place during 2006 and 2007, and Naylor had denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial held earlier that month.

Judge Michael Heath delivered a stern sentence, condemning Naylor for his depraved conduct. He stated, “You are obsessed with sex. What you did was depraved and despicable. You groomed her and then used her to satisfy your sexual desires. Only time will tell what psychological harm you have caused. What is absolutely clear is that you have ruined the start of her teenage years. You are a selfish, sex-obsessed, dominating, arrogant, and manipulative individual. You used this girl as a sexual plaything.”

Prosecutor Mark Van der Zwart described the profound impact of Naylor’s actions on the young girl, revealing that she had been pushed to the brink of suicide due to the trauma inflicted upon her. At one point, she believed she was pregnant, but subsequent tests proved otherwise. The girl recounted to the jury how Naylor engaged in a series of sexual acts with her and even bought her vibrators, which he persuaded her to use during their encounters.

Describing her emotional state, the prosecutor said, “She speaks of being full of tears, depression, and hurt.” The court’s verdict resulted in Naylor being sentenced to nine years in prison, marking a significant fall from grace for a man who once performed before royalty and was celebrated for his musical talent. His career, spanning 25 years, is now in ruins, overshadowed by the gravity of his crimes and the devastating impact on his young victim.