Ian Watkins, 36, who has had a glittering career with Welsh nu-metal band Lost Prophets and has previously dated Fearne Cotton, pleaded guilty to a series of child sex offences today – despite originally saying he ‘furiously denied’ the allegations.
Two women, who disturbingly offered up their own children to be abused by Watkins, were also charged with child sex offences – though their identities have not been revealed.
Watkins admitted sexual assault, and also taking making and possessing indecent images of children. Indeed the singer filmed and kept the episodes of abuse, which took place in various hotels across South Wales and London.
After the three parties pleaded guilty, meaning no trial was necessary, the judge told the jury: ‘You have been saved from having to watch extremely graphic and distressing material.’
Detective Chief inspector Peter Doyle said: ‘There is no doubt in my mind that Ian Watkins exploited his celebrity status in order to abuse young children.’
‘Two very young children have been removed from this abuse and given a future that would otherwise have been denied them.’
The Rooftops singer was arrested in late 2012 on suspicion of child sex offences, a move that prompted his fellow band members to cancel all upcoming performances. In October 2013, the other members of the band announced on their Facebook page:
‘After a year of coming to terms with our heartache, we finally feel ready to announce publicly what we have thought privately for some time. We can no longer continue making or performing music as Lostprophets. Your love and support over the past 15 years has been tremendous, and we'll be forever grateful for all you've given us. As we look forward to the next phase of our lives, we can only hope to be surrounded by people as devoted and inspiring as you guys have been.’