Lostprophets frontman charged over child rape plot

Lostprophets. Photo/Supplied

Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has been charged with multiple child sex offences, including plotting to rape a one-year-old girl.

The Rooftops singer, 35, was refused bail in a Cardiff court over child sex charges laid by South Wales police yesterday.

Those include an allegation he plotted with a 24-year-old female fan to rape a one-year-old girl.

He is also charged with possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

The court heard police were investigating about 40 images of extreme pornography involving children and animals as part of their probe.

Two other women, aged 24 and 20, were also arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the offences, police said.

They appeared in court alongside Watkins.

Senior investigating officer Peter Doyle called for anyone who has information or concerns about the case to come forward.

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

Watkins' bandmates released a statement on their official website expressing shock at the charges.

"Following charges made today 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."

The message was attributed to Jamie Oliver, Lee Gaze, Stuart Richardson and Mike Lewis.

Lostprophets performed at the 2004 Big Day Out.

They were formed in 1997 and have released five albums, including the hit Liberation Transmission in 2006.

Their most recent album Weapons was released in April this year.

- Herald Online