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Peaches apologises over tweets

Peaches Geldof has apologised for posting the names of the two mothers whose babies were involved in abuse by rock star Ian Watkins on Twitter. Her comments come after detectives confirmed they were investigating and were in talks with prosecutors.

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Peaches Geldof apologises for tweeting Watkins names

Peaches Geldof has apologised for tweeting the names of the two mothers whose babies were involved in abuse by disgraced rock star Ian Watkins.

Peaches Geldof has apologised for tweeting the names of the two mothers whose babies were involved in abuse by Ian Watkins. Credit: PA

In a series of tweets posted today the TV presenter explained that she had assumed the names were already "public knowledge".

"I deleted my tweets, however, and apologise for any offence caused as at the time of tweeting had only seen everyone tweeting the names at me so had assumed as they were also up on news websites and the crown courts public file that they had been released for public knowledge," she explained.

"Will check my facts before tweeting next time. Apologies and lesson learned."

Her comments come after detectives confirmed last night that they were investigating reports of what she had done and were in talks with prosecutors.

Read: Police probe Peaches Geldof's Watkins tweet

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Police warn of social media use to discuss abuse case

We are aware that the names of Ian Watkins' co- defendants have been published on social media channels.

Clearly, there is strong public feeling about this case and many people are using social media forums to talk about the issues involved.

We are currently in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the matter and will take action if appropriate.

Our primary objective as an organisation remains the safeguarding of vulnerable people and children.

Victims of sexual abuse have a right to anonymity in order to protect their future welfare and we urge those discussing the issues raised online to be careful about using information that identifies victims in cases like this.

– Detective Chief Inspector Peter Doyle of South Wales Police

Read more: Police Lostprophets 'lessons'

Police probe Peaches Geldof's Watkins tweet

Peaches Geldof could face a criminal investigation after she named two women who allowed their babies to be abused by disgraced rock star Ian Watkins.

The daughter of Boomtown Rats star Bob Geldof posted the names of two women involved in the case on Twitter after reportedly reading them on a US-based website - but has since removed them.

Peaches Geldof. Credit: Press Association

Lostprophets singer Watkins was branded a ''determined and committed paedophile'' after he pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a string of sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby.

The 36-year-old, from Pontypridd, south Wales, plotted the abuse with two mothers in a series of text and internet messages.

The Attorney General's Office has warned that sex offence victims have automatic lifetime anonymity and publishing details that can lead to their identification is a criminal offence.

A spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office said: "We understand that the names of the co-defendants in the Ian Watkins case were posted online but have now been removed.

"As has been previously reported, the co-defendants were the mothers of the victims.

"Victims of sexual offences have automatic lifetime anonymity and the publication of names or information which can lead to their being identified is a criminal offence. This is a police matter."

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