Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins facing six child sex offence charges

THE lead singer of Welsh rock band Lostprophets has been charged with conspiracy to rape a child under 13.

Ian Watkins, 35, of Pontypridd, appeared before Cardiff magistrates yesterday to face a total of six charges relating to sexual offences against children.

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.

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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 Monday, December 31.