Star charged over child offences

Ian Watkins, the lead singer with the Welsh rock band Lostprophets has appeared before Cardiff Crown court accused of sexual offences against children.

The thirty five year old has been charged along with two women. Rob Osborne sent this report from the court.

The singer of rock band Lostprophets has been remanded in custody for another ten weeks after being accused of plotting to rape a child.

Welsh frontman Ian Watkins, 35, was kept in custody charged with six sexual offences against children - including conspiring to rape a girl under the age of 13.

The singer and two women are also accused of conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a girl under 13.

Mr Watkins spent Christmas in Parc Prison in Bridgend, South Wales, after being remanded on December 19.

An application to a judge in Cardiff Crown Court for bail was adjourned for another hearing to take his plea on the charges on March 11.

Judge Stephen Hopkins QC saw Mr Watkins appear by video link from the prison.

Mr Watkins, of Pontypridd, South Wales, was further charged with three separate charges of possession, making and distribution of indecent images of children.

He is also accused of possession of "extreme pornography" some involving animals.

Rock star Ian Watkins is to appear at Cardiff Crown Court today to face allegations of plotting to rape a child.

The 35-year-old lead vocalist of Lostprophets was charged along with two women earlier this month.

South Wales Police said all three had been arrested as part of Operation Globe - which investigates allegations of child abuse. The two women cannot be named for legal reasons.

Watkins faces a total of six sex abuse charges, including conspiring to engage in sexual activity with two young children, as well as making, downloading and distributing child pornography, and assessing "extreme pornography."

Bandmates of rock-star Ian Watkins have spoken of their shock after he was charged with sexual offences against children.

In a statement, members of Lostprophets said:

"Following charges made against Ian Watkins, we find ourselves in a state of shock. We are learning about the details of the investigation along with you. It is a difficult time for us and our families, and we want to thank our fans for their support as we seek answers."

35-year-old Ian Watkins from Pontypridd was charged with six offences. Two co-defendents, both women, face similar charges.

South Wales Police say he has been charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

All were remanded in custody until 31st of December, when they'll appear at Cardiff Crown Court.

The lead singer from the Welsh rock band Lostprophets has been remanded in custody after he appeared before Cardiff magistrates charged with sexual offences against children.

35-year-old Ian Watkins from Pontypridd was charged with six offences. He appeared in court wearing a black coat with the collar turned up and a grey hooded sweatshirt. His relatives also attended. Two co-defendents, both women, face a further 11 charges between them.

South Wales Police say he has been charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession and distribution of indecent images of children. All were remanded in custody until 31st of December, when they'll appear at Cardiff Crown Court.

Children, young people and adults with any information relating to this inquiry can contact the NSPCC on 0800 3895347.

South Wales Police say singer Ian Watkins of Welsh rock band Lostprophets has been charged with sexual offences against children.

35-year-old Watkins from Pontypridd is one of three people due to appear in court after being questioned by police in Cardiff.

He has been charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession / distribution of indecent images of children.

The investigation continues.

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