Stephen Dawson, who helped found Saxon, is jailed for Six years for the assaults in the 1990s. The 72-year-old was sentenced to Six years in prison on Thursday after he was convicted of four counts of indecent assault of a child under …

Stephen Dawson, who helped found Saxon, is jailed for Six years for the assaults in the 1990s. The 72-year-old was sentenced to Six years in prison on Thursday after he was convicted of four counts of indecent assault of a child under …

 

Stephen Dawson, a key figure in the British heavy metal scene and co-founder of the band Saxon, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of a series of historic sexual assaults that took place in the 1990s. The 60-year-old musician, known for his influential role in the iconic band that helped shape the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), was found guilty of multiple charges related to incidents that spanned over a decade.

 

The assaults, which occurred between 1990 and 1999, were brought to light following a lengthy investigation that began in 2019 after one of the victims came forward. Dawson, who was widely celebrated for his musical contributions, had maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and subsequent trial. However, after careful consideration of the evidence, including testimonies from several survivors, the jury found Dawson guilty on several counts of assault.

 

Dawson was initially arrested in connection with the accusations in 2020. His trial, which began in 2023, saw testimony from multiple women who described a pattern of abuse that took place during and after the band’s tours. Victims shared harrowing accounts of how they were subjected to inappropriate behavior, coercion, and physical assault by Dawson, who was described by some of the survivors as someone who wielded his power within the music industry to exploit and manipulate.

 

The court heard that Dawson used his position of influence as a well-known member of Saxon to target vulnerable individuals, often under the guise of providing career opportunities or promoting the band. Survivors recalled feeling trapped in situations where they were unable to escape his advances or seek help, fearing the repercussions on their personal and professional lives. The crimes, some of which had remained unreported for years, were compounded by Dawson’s reputation, which initially shielded him from scrutiny.

 

During the sentencing hearing, the judge described Dawson’s actions as “predatory and abusive,” noting that the crimes had caused lasting trauma to the victims. The court also acknowledged the emotional and psychological toll the assaults had on those who came forward, with some victims stating they had struggled for years to come to terms with the abuse they had endured.

 

In addition to the six-year prison sentence, Dawson will also be placed on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life. This legal action is seen as a step toward holding individuals accountable for their actions, no matter their status or reputation. It also marks an important moment in the ongoing conversation surrounding sexual abuse in the music industry, which has seen a number of high-profile cases come to light in recent years.

 

The sentencing has left the heavy metal community in shock, with many fans expressing disbelief at the actions of a figure they had long admired. Saxon, formed in 1976 and known for hits like *”Denim and Leather”* and *”Princess of the Night,”* has been one of the most successful British heavy metal bands of all time. While Dawson’s actions do not reflect the values of the band or its current members, the case has cast a dark shadow over the legacy of Saxon.

 

In the wake of the verdict, some fans and survivors have called for more transparency and accountability within the music industry, urging other victims of abuse to come forward. The case serves as a reminder that even those in positions of power and influence can be held accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes. As Dawson begins his sentence, the survivors of his abuse are left to rebuild their lives, supported by the ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence and empower those who have suffered in silence for far too long.

 

This case highlights the importance of believing survivors and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, no matter how much time has passed.