Lostprophets singer charged with child sex crimes

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The lead singer of British rock band Lostprophets appeared in court Wednesday charged with child sex offenses including conspiring with a woman to rape a 1-year-old girl.

Prosecutors said Ian Watkins also is accused of conspiring to engage in sexual touching with two children; possessing, making and distributing indecent images; and possessing "extreme" animal pornography.

The 35-year-old singer wore a black hooded top and appeared tired during the hearing in the Welsh capital, Cardiff.

Defense lawyer Tom Crowther said Watkins would deny all charges and requested bail, saying his client's celebrity status could help to enforce bail conditions.

But magistrate Alan Knight ordered the singer detained until his next hearing Dec. 31.

South Wales Police said that Watkins, from the Welsh town of Pontypridd, was arrested Monday and charged Tuesday with "conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children."

Two women, aged 20 and 24, have been charged with related offenses and were also denied bail.

The hard rock band was formed in Wales in 1997 and had a chart-topping British album in 2006 with "Liberation Transmission."