News that was expected by many but will still horrify everyone that hears it; Former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has pleaded guilty to numerous child sex offence charges that have been hanging over his head for almost a year. Having previously denied all the allegations at length, Watkins has now pleaded guilty to two counts of “attempting to rape a baby” as well as “attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under 13” and “conspiring to rape a child under 13” but not guilty to rape, which has been accepted by the prosecution according to breaking news from the BBC. He has also pleaded guilty to numerous charges of possession of pornographic material involving children and one involving a person performing a sex act with an animal. In all, Watkins has pleaded guilty to thirteen charges. He has been described by the prosecuting barrister as “a determined and committed paedophile.”
Mr Watkins who is 36 was due to begin standing trial this week alongside two women who were charged with similar offences with proceedings such as picking a jury for the trial already underway at Cardiff Crown Court. His co-defendants have also pleaded guilty to numerous charges against both of them. The baby involved in the charges against Mr Watkins is the daughter of one of his co-defendants. Both female defendants groomed their children for Watkins benefit, as well as abusing their own children and being guilty of pornographic related crimes.
The remaining members of Lostprophets disbanded the group officially last month after all the trauma surrounding the case and uncertainty surrounding their former singer.
There will be more on this awful story as news filters out from court. As yet there is no information about sentencing for Ian Watkins. Please keep your eyes on the BBC Website for up-to-the-minute information.
