Ian Watkins, former lead singer of Welsh rock band
Lostprophets has received a 35 year sentence over sex offenses involving
children. Watkins pleaded guilty to 13 offenses at Cardiff Crown Court,
including the attempted rape of a baby. Two females associated with these
offences have also been sentenced to a combined time of over 20 years. Watkins
will serve at least two thirds of this sentence before the parole board will
have the option to grant serving the rest of the term on license.
Despite admitting the attempted rape and sexual assault of a
child under the age of 13 Watkins pleaded not guilty to rape. Christopher Clee
who was prosecuting Watkins, found detailed and disturbing images on a
computer. A total of 90 images of child abuse were discovered including 24 of
these falling into the most serious category as well as 22 images of
bestiality.
Jailed by Mr Justice Royce, Royce tells Watkins “You, Watkins,
achieved fame and success as the lead singer of Lostprophets. 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.”
It was reported in the Guardian that Watkins has made
comments to a female fan, named Samantha, regarding his sentencing as “mega
lolz”. As well as telling her he had considered explaining to the court “come
on, it was not that bad, nobody got hurt.”
Joanne Mjedzelics says she reported
Watkins to police on numerous occasions. During an interview with the BBC she
says “I would be either going to the police station or I’d be on the phone to
them repeatedly saying, you need to do something…giving them details, giving
them names of victims.”
“The first thing Ian had said to them
[the police] back in 2008 was, ‘oh she’s a psycho’. Whatever he said they
basically latched onto that and thought they could just use this as an excuse
to just not do anything.”
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Doyle,
senior investigating officer tells the BBC
"Today's sentence does not mark the end of our investigations and
we will work tirelessly to identify any other victims or witnesses and seek the
justice they deserve.”
Founded in 1997 in Wales, Lostprophets reached sales of 3.5
million through the release of 5 albums. The remaining band members of
Lostprophets have claimed to have no knowledge of Watkins’s offences and urge
other victims to contact the authorities.
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