Lostprophets lead singer, Ian Watkins, appeared before court today (December 31) on alleged child sex offense charges, including conspiracy to rape a one-year-old girl.  

In addition to being charged with conspiring to rape a child under the age of 13, Watkins faces five other sex abuse charges.  Those charges  include conspiring to engage in sexual activity with two young children as well as making, downloading and distributing child pornography and accessing  “extreme pornography” – relating to animals.

Watkins appeared wearing a black suit, shirt and tie via video link at Cardiff Crown Court from Parc Prison, Bridgend (Wales).   Two  female defendants in the case, aged 20 and 24 from Doncaster and Bedford, appeared as well.   Watkins spoke only to give his name at the hearing which lasted ten minutes. All three defendants have been remanded further in custody, with a plea and case management hearing scheduled for March 11, 2013  according to reports from BBC News.

The 35-year-old, whose band has sold more than 3.5 million records worldwide, was arrested with the two women earlier this month.   He was remanded in custody over the Christmas period, along with two other women – who also face similar charges, but cannot be named for unknown legal reasons.  

Lost Prophets released a statement the day after Watkins’ arrest expressing shock.  No further statements have been issued.