Police thank public for helping get former Nottingham Rockstar behind bars
Paper Lace Guitarist John Chambers was jailed for multiple sexual assaults against two young boys
Nottinghamshire detectives say it thanks to the "bravery of victims and their persistence" that helped them convict two predatory child sex offenders, including a prominent Nottingham musician.
Paper Lace guitarist John Chambers, 73, and Andrew Polkey, aged 57, were jailed for a total of 26 years last week for sexual abuse against boys they befriended more 30 years ago.
The men took it in turns to abuse one vulnerable boy over several years – plying him with drugs and alcohol after inviting him to their homes.
Detectives at Nottinghamshire Police initially started to looking onto the allegations in 2017 when the victim – now an adult – came forward to report what had happened to him.
The trail then ran cold after the victim decided not to continue his complaint with a formal statement.
He reengaged with detectives two years later, providing key evidence for a trial.
Both men were arrested in 2020 and interviewed about the allegations.
Both denied the offences but later pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assaults.
Chambers, formerly of Crowley Close, Bilborough, pleaded guilty to eight assaults against one boy and Polkey, formerly of Glade Hill Road, Arnold, admitted to 17 against two boys.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday Chambers and Polkey were jailed for ten-and-a-half years and 13 years respectively.
A third man, 46-year-old Matthew Mardell, of Glade hill Road, pleaded guilty to two indecent assaults on a boy and was given a 20 month prison sentence suspended for two years.
Who are Paper Lace?
Paper Lace are a British pop/rock band, formed in Nottingham, who rose to success in 1974 and during that year had three UK Top 40 hit singles.
Chambers joined Paper Lace as bass player in 1983, nearly a decade after they enjoyed an international number one hit with Billy Don't Be a Hero in 1974.