Ian Watkins' bail application rejected

Embattled Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins' application for bail over child sex charges was rejected by a judge on Thursday (10Jan13).

The Welsh rocker was last month (Dec12) charged with two counts of conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and three counts of possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children. He is also accused of possessing "extreme" animal pornography.

He was ordered to spend Christmas behind bars, and was remanded in custody at Parc Prison in Wales.

Watkins made an application for bail, and appeared via video link at a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday to hear the outcome - but Judge Eleri Rees rejected his bid.

The star was ordered to remain in custody ahead of a plea hearing later this month (Jan13).

Two women, aged 20 and 24, are facing similar charges.