Doncaster woman & rock star remanded over child sex charges

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 a 20year old from Doncaster, South Yorkshire and a 24 year old from Bedford - 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.