The Lostprophets singer will spend 29 years in jail and six years on probation after pleading guilty to a series of crime which includes attempted rape of a baby.
- Dec 19, 2013
AceShowbiz - Rock singer Ian Watkins has received 35-year sentence for child sex offenses. During the Wednesday, December 13 court session, Watkins was sentenced to 29 years in jail by a British judge. He was also sentenced to six years of strict probation following his release.
Last month, the Lostprophets singer pleaded guilty to 13 charges of child sex crime which included attempted rape of a baby, sexually touching a 1-year-old child, encouraging a fan to abuse her child and making child pornography. His two female accomplices, the mothers of the children Watkins abused, were sentenced to 14 and 17 years.
"Those who have appeared in these courts over many years see a large number of horrific cases. This case, however, breaks new ground," the judge said at Cardiff Crown Court, as quoted by The Guardian. "You, Watkins, achieved fame and success as the lead singer of Lostprophets. You had many fawning fans. That gave you power. You knew you could use that power to induce young female fans to help satisfy your insatiable lust and take part in the sexual abuse of their own children. Away from the highlights of your public performances lay a dark and sinister side."
South Wales Police are currently investigating whether Watkins committed offenses in other places. They have joined forces with authorities in the U.S. and Germany as Watkins' band toured in the two countries.
