Founding bassist of 70s rock band Saxon is jailed for sexually assaulting ... trends now
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Members of Saxon, one of the UK's most successful heavy metal bands, say they have been left 'sickened' after their founding bassist was jailed for assaulting a six-year-old girl.
Stephen Dawson, 72, was sentenced to five years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday after he was convicted of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14.
The band, which was formed in Barnsley, South Yorks, sold over 23 million records and its eccentric musicians later inspired the cult mockumentary 'This is Spinal Tap'.
Saxon co-founder and guitarist Graham Oliver said they were 'shocked' and 'disgusted' at their former bassist's actions.
And while the abuse took place in the 1990s following Dawson's dismissal from the band in 1986, Oliver said they hoped the victim had 'closure' following the ordeal.
Stephen Dawson was sentenced to five years in prison after he was convicted of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14. He is pictured performing in Chicago in 1984
File image shows Steve Dawson performing in Long Marston in 2009
His statement read: 'To say we are all shocked and disgusted by Dawson's actions is an understatement.
'While these vile offences occurred post-Saxon and pre Son of a Bitch/Oliver Dawson Saxon era, we are all sickened by his predatory behaviour against a small child, and hope this prison sentence
