Story highlights
Singer sentenced for string of child sex offenses
Trial judge says case broke "new ground"
Two co-defendants also sentenced
Police say related investigations ongoing in Germany and U.S.
The lead singer of rock group Lostprophets was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in a British jail for child sex abuse, a court ruled.
The sentence for a string of child sex offenses – including the attempted rape of a baby – includes 29 years behind bars for the disgraced rock star, according to Britain’s Press Association news agency. Six years are on license, meaning he will remain under police supervision.
Ian Watkins, 36, confessed to 13 offenses at Cardiff Crown Court in Wales last month. On Wednesday, Judge Roger John Royce said the case broke “new ground,” according to Press Association.
“I am satisfied that you are a deeply corrupting influence, you are highly manipulative, you are a sexual predator, you are dangerous,” Royce said. “The public and, in particular, young females need protection from you.”
Watkins must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before he can be considered for release. Two co-defendants identified only as Mother A and Mother B were sentenced to 14 years and 17 years, respectively.
