Lostprophets issued a statement in response to Thursday’s news that their singer had appeared before a court facing charges relating to child sex offenses.
A statement on the Welsh band’s official website reads:
“Following charges made against Ian Watkins, we find ourselves in a state of shock. We are learning about the details of the investigation along with you. It is a difficult time for us and our families, and we want to thank our fans for their support as we seek answers.” ~ Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu
The website has been wiped of all information except the statement. Their Facebook band page has nothing new, but there are heated debates going on in old threads where thousands of comments are being left in support of the band and some pleas for people to stick to the “innocent until proven guilty” theory. *(Editors response at the end of this article)
As we reported on Thursday, Watkins had appeared before Cardiff magistrates facing a total of six charges relating to sexual offences against two young children.
The 35-year-old is accused of conspiracy to rape a female under 13 – now confirmed to be a one-year-old girl. He has been charged with two incidents of conspiring to engage in sexual touching with two young children and four offences relating to making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children. The court heard that 40 images of children and child abuse were being investigated by police.
The Mirror reports that Watkins also stands accused of possessing “extreme” pornography involving animals.
The conspiracy offences were alleged to have taken place between May 1 and December 17, 2012, when Watkins was arrested. The pornography charges relate to a period between August 12 and December 17.
Watkins appeared in Cardiff magistrates court wearing a black hoody, looking “visibly tired” during the 90-minute hearing, according to eyewitnesses. Defending barrister Tom Crowther said his client would be denying charges, but a plea is not required at this stage of proceedings.
Two women aged 20 and 24 from Doncaster and Bedford also appeared in court. The 24-year-old woman is alleged to have conspired with Watkins to rape the one-year-old and has been charged with the same offences. The 20-year-old woman is charged with five of the same offences, but not conspiracy to rape. Neither woman can be identified due to legal reasons.
Bail applications by all three were refused and they have been remanded in custody until their appearance at Cardiff Crown Court on December 31. Watkins’ mother, who was sitting in the public gallery, reportedly offered to put forward her house as a surety.
Police have urged anyone with concerns or information relating to the investigation to get in touch. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Operation Globe incident room on 0800 056 0154; or NSPCC on 0800 389 5347 or email operationglobe@south-wales.pnn.police.uk. Overseas callers are asked to phone 00 44 207 158 0011.
Lostprophets formed in Pontypridd in 1997 and released debut album ‘Thefakesoundofprogress’ in 2000. The band’s fifth album, ‘Weapons’, was released on April 2, 2012. The BBC reports that future Lostprophets live dates have been immediately cancelled.
* EDITOR RESPONSE: Yes, the court has to prove the charges of conspiracy to rape this baby girl and sexually touch two other small children – that’s a given. However, they obviously have some strong evidence to substantiate the charges; especially since this arrest would be in the spotlight. When you compound those charges with the fact that Watkins also was charged with the possession and intent to distribute over 40 images depicting child sex abuse, well come on! Normal people just don’t have pictures of child porn in their home unless they’re into that kind of thing, do they? Seriously! Then throw in that this sick bastard had pictures of “extreme ANIMAL pornography” too? Exactly what the hell is THAT? I could have lived the rest of my life not even having to imagine what that shit is! (I simply refuse to Google it)
Now that I’ve had my rant, I’d like to add that Watkins will get his day in court. The evidence will be presented and we shall see what happens. In the interim, I truly do feel sorry for the rest of the band members of Lostprophets. After so many years of creating a band and a brand, to have it all go to shit over one of the member’s actions sucks for them. If they did not know that their singer was a twisted scumbag, which by all accounts they DID NOT, then they should not be held in the same light. It’s easy to judge, but one never knows what’s going on inside someone’s head. Unfortunately for them, their lead singer allegedly likes to have sex with babies and animals. Even if proven innocent, it’s going to be a tough, tough thing to overcome the stigma, if possible at all. Those dudes are probably going to have to change their name and start all over again. I think this may just be the death of Lostprophets. In the big picture though…if innocent children were harmed in such a way, then what the fuck difference does a BAND mean anyway? Nothing.
~ Valerie King, Editor-In-Chief – RockRevolt™Magazine