Ian Watkins Denied Sentence Appeal

23 July 2014, 17:54 | Updated: 23 July 2014, 17:57

Former Lost Prophets frontman Ian Watkins has been told he can't appeal against his sentence for child sex offences

The rockstar from Pontypridd claimed the 29 year jail term was too harsh.

Lawyers for the 37 year old also argued his sentence should be cut because he pleaded guilty - sparing a jury from a having to hear disturbing evidence during the trial.

Watkins was about to go on trial at the end of last year when he changed his plea to guilty - admitting 13 charges

A woman who allowed her baby to be abused by the former rockstar was also asking permission to appeal her 17 year sentence.

The court of appeal also rejected her claim - saying there was no sign she was coerced into allowing Watkins to abuse her child.

The NSPCC have welcomed the news. Des Mannion is the National Head of Service for Wales: He said: "It's right that the tough sentences originally given to Watkins and his co-defendant have been upheld today.

"They reflect the severe damage caused by  the two women and Ian Watkins - a highly manipulative and devious sex offender.

"This was never a case about celebrity, it was about children.

"There are many others - victims of Ian Watkins or others like him - that desperately need our help and we ask anyone who may have concerns about the welfare of a child to contact our helpline on 0808 800 5000."