Thirty-five days into his 35-year sentence for a string of sex crimes against children, including the attempted rape of an 11-month-old baby, Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins is seeking a shorter prison term.
According to the UK’s Sky News, the 36-year-old applied this week for permission to appeal his December 19 sentence of 29 years and an additional six on extended license. He admitted guilt to 13 counts, and after his Cardiff Crown Court sentencing, was told he’d have to serve at least two-thirds of his custodial term of 29 years before being eligible for parole.
But Watkins feels he should have received less, even though the admitted to a number of deplorable offences, including, according to Fact Magazine, “two counts of attempting to rape an 11-month-old baby, conspiring to rape another child, sexually assaulting a child aged under 13, and taking indecent photographs of children.” The court heard today that Watkins has been convicted for holding 90 images of children, a majority of which fell under the two highest tiers of severity. He also had 22 graphic images of bestiality.
More according to Sky:
The Judicial Office has now confirmed he will seek to challenge his sentence – made up of a custodial term of 29 years and a further six years on licence – at the Court of Appeal.
After sexually touching a fan’s 11-month-old baby, Watkins tried to have sex with the child. He also encouraged a second fan to abuse her child during a webcam chat and secretly stashed child porn videos, some of which he had made himself.
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.”