The lead singer of the British rock group Lostprophets was sentenced Wednesday to 29 years in prison for child sex abuse, including the attempted rape of a baby.
Ian Watkins, 36, pleaded guilty to 13 child sex offenses in November. His sentence handed down Wednesday includes 29 years behind bars and six more years on license, meaning he will remain under police supervision, CNN reported.
“I am satisfied that you are a deeply corrupting influence, you are highly manipulative, you are a sexual predator, you are dangerous,” said Judge Roger John Royce.
“You had many fawning fans,” the judge continued, according to Sky News. “That gave you power. You knew you could use that power to induce young female fans to … help satisfy your insatiable lust and take part in the sexual abuse of their own children. Away from the highlights of your public performances lay a dark and sinister side.”
Two co-defendants identified only as Mother A and Mother B were sentenced to 14 years and 17 years, respectively, CNN reported.
Police said they were investigating whether Watkins committed similar crimes in Germany and the United States, the report said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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