Lostprophets singer accused of conspiring to rape one-year-old girl

Published on 19/12/2012 13:35

IAN Watkins, lead singer of rock band Lostprophets, was remanded in custody today after appearing in court to face child sex abuse allegations.

The 35-year-old, whose band have sold more than 3.5 million albums worldwide, is alleged to have conspired with another woman to rape a one-year-old girl, Cardiff magistrates heard.

He also stands accused of two incidents of conspiring to engage in sexual touching with two young children; possessing, making and distributing indecent images; and possessing “extreme” animal pornography.

The conspiracy charges related to a period between May 1 and Monday, while the indecent images related to a period between August 12 and Monday.

Defending barrister Tom Crowther said his client - dressed in a black hooded top and looking visibly tired - would be denying the charges and argued that his celebrity status could help to enforce bail conditions.

He also added that Lostprophets had cancelled a planned tour, Watkins had no previous convictions and his mother, who was sitting in the public gallery, was willing to put forward her house as a surety.

But presiding magistrate Alan Knight opted to remand Watkins - along with two women aged 20 and 24 - into custody.

The women, who face similar child sex allegations, cannot be named for legal reasons.

All three will appear before Cardiff Crown Court on December 31.