Former Chart-Topping Bassist Jailed for Abusing 12-Year-Old Boy
A former bassist who once rocked the charts is now behind bars after being found guilty of exploiting a young boy’s admiration for his fame. John Chambers, known for his time in the ’80s band Paper Lace, used his celebrity status to manipulate the innocent victim.
Chambers, 73, lured the 12-year-old with Chinese takeaways and alcohol, leading him down a dark path. He shockingly justified his despicable actions with the phrase, “This is good, clean fun.”
The court sentenced Chambers to ten-and-a-half years in prison, following his admission to eight charges of indecent assault. The distressing court hearings revealed that the victim felt trapped during the abuse, struggling to escape from his own painful thoughts.
The young boy fell under Chambers’ control as he showered him with treats not commonly found at home. In a heart-wrenching account, it was disclosed that the abuse was further perpetuated by Andrew Polkey, Paper Lace’s roadie and Chambers’ boyfriend.
Chambers and Polkey subjected the young victim to cannabis and horrifying sexual acts, leaving the child traumatized. Another 12-year-old boy also suffered at the hands of these criminals, describing his experience as rendering him “voiceless” and unable to express the torment he endured.
Notably, this is not Chambers’ first brush with the law. In 2005, he was convicted for possessing indecent images of children. Consequently, he has been placed under a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and is now a registered sex offender.
Polkey, aged 56, confessed to 17 charges of indecent assault and has been handed a 13-year prison sentence. Matthew Mardell, 46, another defendant, admitted to two counts of indecent assault on one of the same boys as Polkey. However, Mardell received a suspended sentence, avoiding jail time.
Paper Lace, the band Chambers was once a part of, achieved fame with hits like “The Black Eyed Boys,” “Billy Don’t Be a Hero,” and “The Night Chicago Died.” Formed in Nottingham in 1967, the band’s legacy is now marred by the actions of one of its former members.