Lostprophets singer appears in court on child sex charges
Rocker Ian Watkins has reappeared before a court to face allegations of plotting to rape a baby.
The 35-year-old vocalist, from the band Lostprophets, was arrested with two women earlier this month.
As well as being charged with conspiring to rape a child under the age of 13, Watkins faces five other sex abuse charges.
Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has been remanded in custody after his latest court appearance. Credit: Press Association
They include conspiring to engage in sexual activity with two young children as well as making, downloading and distributing child pornography and accessing "extreme pornography" - relating to animals.
During a previous hearing at Cardiff Magistrates Court, Watkins' legal team said the singer would be denying the charges against him.
Today, Watkins and his co-defendants appeared in Cardiff Crown Court via video-link.
All three only spoke to confirm their names at the preliminary hearing, a formality in the legal process, which lasted less than 10 minutes.
Watkins was refused bail and remanded in custody with a plea and case management hearing scheduled at Cardiff Crown Court for March 11.
Lostprophets singer to appear in court on child sex charges
Ian Watkins on stage in 2010 with his band Lostprophets Credit: Yui Mok / PA Wire
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."
Tom Crowther added that Lostphrophets had cancelled a planned tour and that Watkins had no previous convictions.Mr Crowther said Watkin's mother, who was sitting in the public gallery, was willing to put forward her house as a surety.
Lostprophets singer charged over indecent child images
Ian Watkins, performing at last year's V Festival in Chelmsford. Credit: Ian West/PA Archive
Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has also been charged with the possession and or distribution of indecent images of children.
Detective Inspector Peter Doyle, of South Wales Police, has urged "anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us."
He added: "Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."