John Chambers pleaded guilty to the assault charges on young boys (Picture: Nottingham Post / BPM Media)
Paper Lace’s former bassist John Chambers has been jailed for admitting to indecent assault on victims as young as 12.
The British pop band rose to prominence in the 70s with three number one hits, although Chambers joined the band later in 1983.
The 72-year-old plead guilty to eight charges of indecent assault using alcohol and Chinese takeaways to groom underage boys.
He reportedly had a ‘motto’, telling the young victims: ‘This is good, clean fun.’
Nottingham Crown Court heard how one child ‘lay like a brick’ enduring the assault.
Chambers has been jailed for 10 and a half years for the abuse, along with roadie and boyfriend Andrew Polkey, 56, who aided him.
He was a member of Paper Lace although he joined the band late (Picture: David Warner Ellis/Redferns)
‘I couldn’t escape my thoughts and my own mind,’ shared one boy in a heartbreaking victim statement.
The boys would be plied with treats they were not permitted at home, ‘starstruck’ by the former bassist.
Chambers took the victim to Polkey’s home, giving him weed before assaulting him and forcing him into sexual acts.
Polkey also abused a second victim, who said he felt ‘voiceless’ and unable to speak after the ordeal.
Back in 2005, the disgraced musician was convicted of possessing indecent images of children.
A sexual harm prevention order has been put in place and he will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Polkey was jailed for 13 years after admitting to 17 charges of indecent assaults.
A third man, Matthew Mardell, 46, also pleaded guilty to two indecent assaults on one of the same boys as Polkey and was given a suspended sentence.
Metro has reached out to Paper Lace’s representatives for comment.
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For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: [email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.
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