The former lead singer of British rock band Lostprophets pleaded guilty on Tuesday (November 26) to many “shocking” child sex offenses, the Associated Press is reporting.
In December, police arrested Ian Watkins and charged him with 24 offenses that included raping a baby, sexually assaulting a baby and conspiring to rape a child. He had previously denied the charges.
But on Tuesday, the 36-year-old admitted to 11 offenses, which, according to the AP, include “sexually touching a 1-year-old, encouraging a groupie to abuse her child and making child pornography.” According to the BBC, Watkins admitted to attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under 13, but did not plead guilty to rape.
“He also, by virtue of his plea, accepts he is a determined and committed pedophile,” Chris Clee, the prosecutor in the case, told the court according to Wales Online. “He has engaged in serious sexual offenses against two babies belonging to the female defendants in this case. Not only has he done so but he recorded and kept episodes of this abuse which were recovered by the police.”
Two other women involved in the case also pleaded guilty on Tuesday to similar charges.
Lostprophets were formed in 1997 and gained popularity with hits like “Last Train Home.” The group disbanded in October amid Watkins’ charges.
“There will not be a trial in this case,” the judge reportedly told the court. “The defendants have all pleaded guilty to nearly all the charges against them. You have been saved from having to watch extremely graphic and distressing material.”
Watkins will be sentenced on December 18.
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