Thomas ‘Tam’ Paton, the former manager of the iconic Bay City Rollers band, has been accused of orchestrating a child abuse ring by a survivor of abuse. The survivor, known as ‘Murphy’, now in his 60s, revealed to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry that he fell victim to a network of abusers, including Paton, during his teenage years.

Allegations against Paton had surfaced previously, with band members speaking out against him. Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood described him as a ‘true monster’, while the late Les McKeown, the band’s lead singer, disclosed being raped and abused by Paton, who supplied drugs to cope with the trauma.

‘Murphy’ recounted attending gatherings in his early teens where drugs, alcohol, and explicit films were provided. He mentioned how underage boys were taken to private rooms by older men, described as “professional individuals” in suits driving fancy cars.

During his stay at the Ponton House children’s home in Edinburgh, ‘Murphy’ claimed that Paton’s associates frequented the facility without intervention from the staff, allowing grooming to occur unchecked.

Detailing a chilling encounter, ‘Murphy’ shared a moment where he feared for his life after being drugged and taken to a room by an individual who identified as a judge when confronted with a knife.

When questioned by James Peoples KC at the inquiry, ‘Murphy’ confirmed without hesitation that he believed he was part of a paedophile ring orchestrated by Paton.

Paton, who managed the Bay City Rollers during their peak, was imprisoned in 1982 for sex offenses involving teenage boys and passed away in 2009 from a suspected heart attack.

Additionally, ‘Murphy’ mentioned encountering John Wilson, a convicted sex offender, at Ponton House, contrasting Paton’s method of luring boys to parties from his car.

Feeling coerced and threatened by Paton, ‘Murphy’ disclosed being manipulated into recruiting young boys for him, expressing fear of the manager’s power and influence.

The Ponton Trust issued a statement condemning any form of abuse that may have occurred at the residence, offering apologies to any individual who suffered abuse during their stay.

The ongoing inquiry continues to unravel the extent of the abuse allegations.