Update!

Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins Charged With Sexual Offenses Against Children

British rocker allegedly conspired to rape and engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 years old

By Rebecca Macatee Dec 19, 2012 6:53 PMTags
Ian Watkins, Lost ProhphetsJulie Edwards/UPPA/ZUMAPRESS.com

Very disturbing.

Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was charged with serious sexual offenses against children, the South Wales Police confirmed Wednesday.

Per the South Wales Police's website, the 35-year-old British rocker was charged with "conspiracy to rape and conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children." 

Two women, aged 20 and 24, were also charged with similar offenses and also appeared in court. Watkins and both women have been remanded in custody until Dec. 31, 2012, when they will appear at Cardiff Crown Court.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Peter Doyle said in a statement, "Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."

UPDATE 12/31/2012: Watkins appeared in court via video link today, the BBC reports. He, along with the two other female defendants, were remanded further until March 11, 2013.

—Reporting by Marcus Mulick