Ian Watkins Loses 'Harsh' Sentence Challenge

Former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has lost a legal challenge to appeal his 35-year sentence for 13 child-sex offences.

The disgraced rock star had claimed he was treated too harshly when he was handed a 29-year jail term and an additional six years on licence.

But judges at Cardiff Crown Court decided the former singer did not have sufficient grounds to appeal.

Sally O'Neill QC: 'A sense of proportion needs to be maintained'

Watkins, 36, originally declared he was innocent of the offences, which included the attempted rape of an 11-month old child and possession of child-abuse videos, some which he made himself, and encouraging a fan to abuse her own child.

But at the last minute he changed his plea, averting the need for a trial.

He later complained he had not realised his guilty plea would make him "look guilty".

At his original trial, judge Mr Justice Royce told Watkins: "Those who have appeared in these courts over many years see a large number of horrific cases. This case, however, breaks new ground.

"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 need protection from you."

Watkins was told that he would have to serve two-thirds of the custodial term before he could be considered for release by the Parole Board.

His two accomplices, only identified as Woman A and Woman B, were jailed for 14 years and 16 years respectively.

Watkins' barrister Sally O'Neil said her client was not given enough discount for pleading guilty.

"This case causes a very disturbing reaction for anyone who has has anything to do with it. We accept these matters are very serious.

"But by pleading guilty my client averted the need for a most distressing and unpleasant trial for all those concerned, especially a jury.

"I am not trying to minimise the gravity of these offences, just simply make the observation that a sense of proportion needs to be maintained.

"These offences, however bad, are not the worst."

Woman B also sought leave to appeal and had her bid turned down.

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