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Lostprophets Singer Charged With Child Sex Offences
Laurie Tuffrey , December 19th, 2012 06:31

Ian Watkins charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children

Ian Watkins, the lead singer of Lostprophets, is to appear before magistrates today charged with child sex offences.

A spokesperson for the police said: "A Pontypridd man has been charged with sexual offences against children and is due to appear at Cardiff magistrates court today.

"The 35-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children.

"In order to assist their investigation, South Wales police has named the man as Ian Watkins, a member of the rock group Lostprophets."

Watkins was arrested as part of an ongoing operation, along with two women from Doncaster and Bedford, with all three being questioned at Cardiff Bay police station.

Det Insp Peter Doyle, senior investigating officer, said: "Specially-trained staff are available to speak to anyone with concerns or information regarding this investigation and a dedicated telephone number has been set up.

"I want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us.

"Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."

People with information concerning the investigation are asked to contact the Operation Globe incident room on 0800 056 0154 (if calling from overseas: 00 44 207 158 0011)/operationglobe@south-wales.pnn.police.uk or the NSPCC on 0800 389 5347.