Ian Watkins, the singer of Welsh nu-metal band Lostprophets, appeared in court via video link in Cardiff today (December 31, 2012), along with two other women, accused of plotting to rape a child. He has also been charged with several other offences, including three charges of possession, making and distributing indecent images of children.

The 35 year-old was wearing a black suit, with a black shirt and tie and according to the Daily Mail, spoke only to confirm his name, during the brief 10 minute preliminary hearing; a formality in the legal process. His mother Elaine was looking on from the public gallery. Watkins was remanded in custody at Parc Prison in Bridgend, South Wales for a further 10 weeks, as were the two women arrested for conspiring to sexually abuse a child, with him. One woman, aged 20, was from Doncaster and another, aged 24, was from Bedford. An application for bail was adjourned for another hearing to take his plea on March 11, 2013.

The rest of Watkins’ Lostprophets band members have expressed their shock at learning of Watkins’ arrest on December 19. A statement on their website read “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.”