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Former Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins Sentenced To 35 Years In Jail

18th December 2013. Former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has been sentenced to 29 years in prison, with an additional six-year period to be spent on licence, for 13 offences of sexually abusing children.

The judge told Watkins, who was shaking uncontrollably in the dock, that he had “plumbed new depths of depravity” before jailing him.

He was sentenced after a series of further revelations revealed his behaviour to be even more depraved and bizarre than was already known and also that there are more allegations currently being investigated.

Earlier the court heard Watkins phoned a friend from prison after pleading guilty to child sex abuse last month and described his evil crimes as “mega lolz”, a famous phrase used by his band the Lostprophets.

The judge, Mr Justice Royce, told him his actions, as well as that of his two female co-defendants, “defied belief”.

He said Watkins showed “evident delight” in abusing children and showed an “almost complete lack of remorse” for his behaviour. He said: “It’s difficult to imagine anything much worse.”

The judge said Watkins was a “significant risk” to young women and children. He said he was a “deeply corrupting influence” and a “sexual predator.

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“I am satisfied that you are a deeply corrupting influence. You are highly manipulative.

“You are a sexual predator. You are dangerous. The public, and in particular young females and children, need protection from you.”

Watkins’ fellow accused, Mother A and Mother B, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been sentenced to 14 years and 17 years in jail.

South Wales Police have extended their investigation of Watkins’ crimes to Germany and the United States. A statement said: “This is complex and will take time. There are three investigations which cover a four-year period and involve numerous allegations and reports. The police response to each must be considered.”

Before his sentencing, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it was investigating police forces in South Wales, where Watkins lived, and also South Yorkshire and Bedfordshire. One line of inquiry is whether officers failed to look properly into Watkins’s activities because of his celebrity status.

Watkins will be 65-years-old when he is released from prison, if he serves his full sentence.

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