Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins appeared in court today over a number of child sex offense charges which include conspiracy to rape a one year old girl.

He appeared via video link at Cardiff Crown Court from Parc Prison in Bridgend where he is being held in custody.

He appeared alongside two women who are aged 20 and 24 and are from Doncastor and Bedford and spoke only to say his name atthe hearing which only lasted 10 minutes according to newspaper The Independent.

All three of the defendants are being held until a further hearing which is scheduled to take place on March 31st.

As well as being accused of conspiracy to rape a one year old girl, Watkins has also been charged with to counts of conspiring to engage sexual touching with children and four counts of making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

The offences are all said to have taken place between May 1st and December 17th 2012.

The remaining members of the band are said to be in shock and are finding out new developments with the public as they are happening.

The band's website has been offline since the charges emerged and has been replaced with the following statement from the band: "Following charges made today against Iran Watkins, we find ourselves in a state of shock. We are learning about the details of the investigation along with you. It is a difficult time for us and our families, and we want to thank our fans for their support as we seek answers. Jamie, Luke, Lee, Mike and Stu."

By Sarah Marie Jones