Lostprophets Singer Held On Child Sex Charges

Lostprophets lead singer Ian Watkins has appeared in court accused of conspiring to rape a one-year-old girl among other child sex offences.

Watkins, 35, whose band have sold millions of albums worldwide, was remanded in custody to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on December 31.

The singer, from Pontypridd, is alleged to have conspired with a woman to rape the girl, Cardiff magistrates were told.

He is also 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 this week, while the indecent images related to a period between August 12 and Monday, the court heard.

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 said 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 bail surety.

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

The women, who face similar child sex allegations, cannot be named for legal reasons. All three will appear at Cardiff Crown Court on December 31.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Peter Doyle said earlier that specially-trained staff were available to speak to anyone with concerns or information regarding the investigation.

"I want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us," he added.

"Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."

Police are asking anyone with any information concerning the investigation to contact the Operation Globe incident room on 0800 056 0154, or the NSPCC on 0800 389 5347.

Lostprophets have received several Kerrang! Awards and nominations, and have sold around 3.5 million albums worldwide.

Last Train Home and Rooftops were both Top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart, while Last Train Home took the No 1 spot on the Alternative Songs chart.