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Ian Watkins sentenced to 35 years in prison for child sex offenses

Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has just been sentenced to 35 years in prison for child sex offenses.

The presiding judge told Watkins, “You are a sexual predator. You are dangerous. The public, and in particular young females and children, need protection from you.” According to the judge, Watkins showed “evident delight” in abusing children and has shown “an almost complete lack of remorse.”

The singer was sentenced to 29 years in prison with an extended license of 6 years, meaning his total sentence will be 35 years. He is to serve two thirds of his sentence before he can be considered for early release.

Watkins’ two female codefendants—who are not to be named—have been sentenced to 14 years and 17 years in prison respectively.

Watkins' defense mitigation made the claim that he was essentially “set up” by fans bombarding him with sexual attention, and his drug use rendered him out of control and unable to remember his actions. 

During the prosecution’s case, the court heard about two phone calls that Watkins made to a female friend while in prison. In one of the phone calls, Watkins said, “I'm going to put a statement on the 18th now just to say it was megalolz, I don't know what everyone is getting so freaked out about.”

Wales Online has a live blog with updates on the sentencing.

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