Former chart-topping star is jailed for sexually abusing boy, 12, after using chilling ‘motto’ to groom him
A FORMER chart-topping bassist has been jailed for abusing a 12-year-old boy after using his fame to exploit the “starstruck” victim.
John Chambers, who played in ’80s group Paper Lace, plied the youngster with Chinese takeaways and booze.
He then used a chilling “motto” to explain his sickening actions, telling the boy: “This is good, clean fun”.
The 73-year-old has now been jailed for ten-and-a-half years after admitting eight charges of indecent assault.
Nottingham Crown Court heard how the victim “lay like a brick” as the abuse took place.
In a harrowing victim impact statement, the boy added: “I couldn’t escape my thoughts and my own mind.”
Chambers groomed the “starstruck” victim, by giving him treats he wouldn’t have got at home.
The bassist, who joined the band in 1983, also abused the boy alongside Paper Lace’s roadie and his-boyfriend Andrew Polkey.
He took the victim to Polkey’s flat where they gave him cannabis and forced him into sick sex acts.
The roadie also abused a second victim, another 12-year-old boy, who told how he felt “voiceless” and unable to speak following the ordeal.
Chambers was previously convicted for possessing indecent images of children in 2005.
He will remain on a sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders’ register for life.
Polkey, 56, admitted 17 charges of indecent assaults and was jailed for 13 years.
A third defendant, Matthew Mardell, 46, pleaded guilty to two indecent assaults on one of the same boys as Polkey but was given a suspended sentence.
Paper Lace had three hits – The Black Eyed Boys, Billy Don’t Be a Hero, and The Night Chicago Died.
They were formed in Nottingham in 1967 .