Ian Watkins, the former lead singer of the British rock band Lostprophets, war sentenced Wednesday to 29 years in jail followed by six years on strict probation for sexual offenses against young children, The Associated Press reported. Watkins pleaded guilty in November to 13 charges, "including trying to rape a baby, sexually touching a 1-year-old, encouraging a fan to abuse her child and making child pornography," The AP also reported.
"Those who appeared in these courts over many years see a large number of horrific cases. This case, however, breaks new ground," said Judge John Royce.
"You had many fawning fans. That gave you power. You knew you could use that power to induce young female fans to have help satisfy your insatiable lust and take part in the sexual abuse of their own children," the judge added.
Police continue to investigate whether Watkins committed crimes in other parts of the globe, "given his extensive touring schedule," as reported by The Associated Press.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Doyle said "detectives were pursuing leads in Germany and the United States. He said police have been in touch with Interpol, the German Federal Police and U.S. Homeland Security," according to The AP.
"My view of him as an individual is that he has shown no empathy, no sympathy or any remorse for what he has done. It's as if he just doesn't care. He has shown no remorse at any time. In my view, that potentially makes him the most dangerous sex offender I have ever seen," said Doyle.
Two female accomplices were also jailed for 15 and 16 years each, having been "active participants in the most shocking abuse of their own children," according to prosecutors. Their names have not been identified.
The Lostprophets, Watkins' former band, which formed in 1997, "had a chart topping album in 2006 with 'Liberation Transmission,' [disbanded] after [his] arrest," The AP also reported.
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