Lostprophets Singer Charged In Child Sex Abuse Case

Ian Watkins, frontman for the rock group Lostprophets, is in custody after being charged with several counts of child sex abuse.

An article in The Daily Mail reports that the British musician was denied bail and remanded after appearing in court earlier today. The 35-year-old Watkins has been accused of numerous sexual offenses against children.

Watkins faces three separate charges of possession, creation and distribution of indecent images of children, possession of ‘extreme pornography’, and conspiring to engage in sex with an underage girl. Police are reported to be investigating 40 images depicting children and child abuse.

According to The Guardian, the singer wasn’t alone when he appeared before magistrates in Cardiff today. Alongside him were two female defendants connected with the case. The women, in their twenties and unidentified for legal reasons, have also been accused and charged with similar offenses.

Tom Crowther, legal representation for Watkins, told the court that his client would be denying charges. He went on to point out that the rocker has no previous convictions.

The Daily Mail also writes that Suzanne Thomas, the prosecutor in the case, asked the court to withhold bail for each of the defendants:

“They are the sort of charges which will cause public revulsion. The penalty would be a custodial sentence if they were found guilty.”

Watkins and both women will appear December 31, 2012 in Cardiff Crown Court.

Tell us how you feel. What punishment do you think should be given to Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins if found guilty of child sex abuse?