Former Lostprophets frontman, and convicted child sex abuser Ian Watkins, may face additional prison time after being charged with possessing a cell phone while serving his 35 year prison sentence. Back in 2013 the former frontman for the Welsh band was convicted of numerous sexual assault charges which include the sexual assault of a child under 13 (which involved an 11-month old victim), conspiracy to rape a child, along with more than 90 counts of child pornography.
Watkins has denied all charges, and will have a trial regarding this latest charge on August 5th. He is currently being investigated for possessing the forbidden device from March 4th- to 10th of last year.
This charge has also arisen after claims that Watkins was grooming a former minor that he had abused while he was in prison. The woman, who had originally met the convicted sex offender while she was 16, lost custody of her child after authorities were notified that she had visited the singer numerous times in 2016.
South Wales Police have also come under fire as a result of the fallout from Watkins crimes as well, with many claiming that they failed to act on tips regarding the serial predator’s behavior. The police force eventually admitted their mistakes and apologize for their failures regarding the situation as a result.
“Today’s report highlights a number of failings in which information about Watkins was investigated between 2008 and 2012 which the force entirely accepts and regrets,” the police force stated in a press release.”South Wales Police failed to listen and properly investigate information about Watkins’ offending behavior, for this we are truly sorry.”
Prior to his sentencing Watkins lacked any remorse for his crimes, stating that “nobody got hurt,” and that the situation was “mega lols.” The phrase “mega lols” according to the PRP was previously used as a backdrop for the band.
“I’m going to put a statement on the 18th now just to say it was mega lols, I don’t know what everyone is getting so freaked out about,” Watkins stated prior to his sentencing.
The judge which sentenced the serial predator did not find the situation “mega lols,” however and stated that Watkins was a significant danger to women and children in the community. He also stated that the singer lacked any remorse for his actions and even found enjoyment while viewing himself abusing his victims, before he went on to sentence him to 35 years in prison, where he will not be eligible for parole for until he serves a minimum of over 23 years.
“I am satisfied that you are a deeply corrupting influence. You are highly manipulative,” the judge stated during Watkins’ trial. “You are a sexual predator. You are dangerous. The public, and in particular young females and children, need protection from you.”
Two females were charged as co-conspirators back in 2013 as well, both women were in their early 20s (21 and 24 respectively) at the time as well. The 21 year old is serving part of their 14 year sentence for sexual assault, while the 24 year old, who was charged with sexually assaulting a child by penetration, is currently serving 17 years.
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