I searched really hard but couldn't find anything else so a huge sorry if there is a thread here already
Lostprophets rocker Ian Watkins accused of plotting to rape a baby girl
By Adam Aspinall
19 December 2012 07:57 PM
He was refused bail as he was charged with six child sex offences - including conspiring with a female fan, 24, to rape a one-year-old girl
Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has been accused of plotting to rape a BABY.
The Welsh singer, 35, was refused bail today as he was charged with six child sex offences - including conspiring with a female fan, 24, to rape a one-year-old girl.
The singer and two women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are also accused of conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a girl under 13.
Watkins - a former boyfriend of TV presenter Fearne Cotton - was further charged with three separate charges of possession, making and distributing indecent images of children.
He is also accused of possession of "extreme pornography", some involving animals.
The court heard 40 images of children and child abuse were being investigated as part of the South Wales police probe.
Appearing at Cardiff Magistrates Court today, Watkins looked tired and drawn in the dock as he stared at the floor throughout the 90 minute hearing, pausing only to glance up at his mother who was in the pubic gallery.
Thomas Crowther, defending Watkins, said: "None of these offences are admitted. He has no previous convictions and is a man of clean character."
Watkins was arrested on Monday and questioned at Cardiff Bay police station where he was held in custody.
Two women - one aged 20 from Doncaster and the other 24 from Bedford - were also brought to the Welsh capital where they were also arrested and appeared in court alongside Watkins.
The younger is on four charges and the older on six.
Mr Crowther had said his client 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 the two women - into custody.
All three are due to appear in Cardiff Crown Court on December 31.
Poor koala.
http://www.nme.com/news/lostprophets/71997Watchdog to probe speed of arrest of Lostprophets singer over baby rape plot allegations
By Adam Aspinall
07 February 2013 06:55 PM
The wa will judge whether South Wales Police acted quickly enough on information received about the singer
Police who arrested Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins over an alleged plot to rape a baby are under investigation.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission will judge whether South Wales Police acted quickly enough on information received about the singer.
Watkins, 35, faces six child sex offences, including conspiring with a woman fan, 24, to rape a girl under the age of 13.
But police watchdog the IPCC have now stepped in to investigate whether South Wales Police "failed to take appropriate and timely action" over information.
The Welsh rocker, whose band have sold more than 3.5 million records worldwide, was arrested in December with two women.
A woman of 20 from Doncaster and a woman of 24 from Bedford are remanded on similar conspiracy charges.
All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently in custody awaiting trial.
Today IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: "We received a referral from South Wales Police on 25 January 2013 relating to Ian Watkins.
"Following a thorough assessment I have decided that we will carry out an independent investigation.
"Our investigation will determine whether or not South Wales Police failed to take appropriate and timely action in relation to information they were in receipt of in advance of Mr Watkins subsequent arrest.
"We are aware of four forces having provided South Wales Police with information but, as criminal proceedings are active, it would be inappropriate to publish further information at this time."
Chief superintendent Tim Jones, head of South Wales Police Professional Standards Department, said: "South Wales Police will fully support the Independent Police Complaints Commission's independent investigation and are committed to responding promptly to its findings.
"In view of the ongoing proceedings it is inappropriate to comment further at this time."
Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins on 'suicide watch', according to pre-trial court hearing Clinical psychologist suggests singer is moved to psychiatric hospital.
Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has been placed on suicide watch ahead of his trial for 23 sexual offences this November.
The Welsh singer has previously denied the charges, which include offences involving children and two of raping a baby. The trial is set to begin on November 25 and is expected to last a month.
According to the Independent, Watkins appeared at a pre-trial hearing at Cardiff Crown Court this morning (August 12) via video link. His barrister, Sally O'Neill, told the court that a clinical psychologist had recommended that he be moved from Parc prison in Bridgend to a psychiatric hospital, and that should receive anti-psychotic medication.
"He has been seen by a clinical psychologist and she believes he should be receiving anti-psychotic medication," she said. "She wants him to be taken to a secure hospital for assessment and treatment. He is on suicide watch five times an hour."
Watkins' two female co-defendants, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also appeared in court. One of them, a 20-year-old, has admitted to sexually touching a child and distributing indecent images of the incident, although the other accused party, a 24-year-old, denies all charges. Watkins, meanwhile, has denied all 23 charges of sexual offences and also denied a 24th offence of possessing indecent images involving an animal. The alleged offences date from 2007.
In March, Watkins issued a statement via his solicitor, which denied all charges and said he would fight to clear his name. "Mr Watkins furiously denies all of the charges and allegations made," a statement issued by solicitor Sarah Williams-Martin of Watkins & Gunn Solicitors read. "He intends to fight to the bitter end to clear his name. He wishes to thank the fans, family and friends for the constant love and support they have given and continue to give throughout this testing time."
After Watkins' first appearance in court earlier this year, Lostprophets wrote on their website: "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. Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu."
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