Ex-Saxon Bassist Steve Dawson Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison

Editor’s Note: The following story contains details of sexual abuse of a minor that may be disturbing to some readers.

Steve “Dobby” Dawson, the founding bassist of the influential UK metal band Saxon, has been sentenced to six years in prison for child sex offenses that took place in the 1990s.

BBC News reports that the 72-year-old Dawson was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14. Even more disturbing, Dawson was accused of repeatedly abusing a 6-year-old girl.

Detective Constable Robert Heath, who was in charge of the case, stated, “It is clear that his evil acts have remained with her throughout her life, and I hope this sentence goes some way to allowing her to move on from these traumatic events,” adding that the victim displayed “extraordinary strength” in coming forward with the allegations.

Dawson was Saxon’s bassist from their 1975 formation until his departure in 1986 amid conflicts with other band members. He appeared on all their albums from their 1979 self-titled debut until 1985’s Innocence Is No Excuse.

Saxon influenced countless bands, including Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Mötley Crüe, and more. Dawson himself apparently was an inspiration for Harry Shearer’s character Derek Smalls in This Is Spinal Tap.

While Dawson hasn’t been in the band for nearly 40 years, Saxon remain active, with singer Biff Byford remaining as the only original member. In the ’90s, Dawson and founding guitarist Graham Oliver began touring as Oliver/Dawson Saxon.