Ian Watkins Gets 35 Sentence For ‘Mega Lolz’ Police Knew Of In 2008
SINGER Ian Watkins is starting a 35-year-sentence for a string of child sex offences.
Reports say Watkins shook visibly in the dock at Cardiff Crown court. He confessed to 13 offences.
Trial judge Mr Justice Royce told Ian Watkins did not hold back:
“Those who have appeared in these courts over many years see a large number of horrific cases. This case, however, breaks new ground. You, Watkins, achieved fame and success as the lead singer of Lostprophets. You had many fawning fans. 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. I am satisfied that you are a deeply corrupting influence, you are highly manipulative, you are a sexual predator, you are dangerous.”
Did fandom play a part or was it just that he met like-minded, depraved women? His co-defendants, “mother A” and “mother B” were sentenced to 14 years and 16 years respectively.
Mother B’s barrister Christine Lang QC told the court: “She is a very immature young woman and was suffering from post-natal depression. She was also exceptionally lonely after her last relationship had broken down. She was a major fan of Ian Watkins and was found with 1,200 pictures of him on her iPod when she was arrested. She couldn’t believe that he could be interested in her – Watkins’ interest was in her daughter. She was hooked on the excitement of the life and attention he was showering on her.”
Prosecutor Christopher Clee said Watkins spoke to a woman named Samantha from his Park Prison cell. The BBC reports that Watkins denied being a paedophile and said: “I’m going to put out a statement on the 18th [December] just to say it was mega lolz. I do not know what everybody is getting so freaked out about.”
Which is why he needs locking up. And why the police need to explain their inaction.
Investigative reporter Mark Williams-Thomas claims police were made aware of Watkins in 2008. Watkins’ ex-girlfriend Joanna Majic says she reached out to South Wales Police on December 29, 2008, along with her
ITV reports:
October 10, 2012 Bedfordshire Police held a meeting with social services and a GP after officers received a tip off from Joanna Majic. It says a medical examination was arranged for a child, and the results were passed to South Wales Police. According to the email from an investigating officer into police standards, officers did not press further to seize computers and storage media because they did not believe a magistrate would issue a warrant.
We then learnt that she had written to him:
So, you may think its funny to completely dismiss and deny me to everyone, but in this case you did the right thing by me didn’t you, kept me well out of your stupid plan to rape a baby for these scruffy lowest of low to film.
He replied:
huni, u dont have to keep telling me, i know you are right. i’m not involved with those people, or doing anything with them. You didnt want to, so i didnt want to. Believe it or not but that’s the truth.
Bedfordshire Police did respond:
Bedfordshire Police received a complaint from a member of the public after she had reported a suspected incident of child abuse. The force Professional Standards Department investigated the complaint and an email explaining the outcome of that investigation has been sent to the complainant.
At the time of the original investigation there was insufficient evidence to apply to the magistrates for a warrant. However, information was shared with partner agencies, including South Wales Police and child protection processes followed.
But nothing was done…
Posted: 18th, December 2013 | In: Celebrities Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink
