Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has been placed on suicide watch ahead of his trial for 23 sexual offences this November.

The Welsh singer has previously denied the charges, which include offences involving children and two of raping a baby. The trial is set to begin on November 25 and is expected to last a month.

According to the Independent, Watkins appeared at a pre-trial hearing at Cardiff Crown Court this morning (August 12) via video link. His barrister, Sally O’Neill, told the court that a clinical psychologist had recommended that he be moved from Parc prison in Bridgend to a psychiatric hospital, and that should receive anti-psychotic medication.


“He has been seen by a clinical psychologist and she believes he should be receiving anti-psychotic medication,” she said. “She wants him to be taken to a secure hospital for assessment and treatment. He is on suicide watch five times an hour.”

Watkins’ two female co-defendants, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also appeared in court. One of them, a 20-year-old, has admitted to sexually touching a child and distributing indecent images of the incident, although the other accused party, a 24-year-old, denies all charges. Watkins, meanwhile, has denied all 23 charges of sexual offences and also denied a 24th offence of possessing indecent images involving an animal. The alleged offences date from 2007.

In March, Watkins issued a statement via his solicitor, which denied all charges and said he would fight to clear his name. “Mr Watkins furiously denies all of the charges and allegations made,” a statement issued by solicitor Sarah Williams-Martin of Watkins & Gunn Solicitors read. “He intends to fight to the bitter end to clear his name. He wishes to thank the fans, family and friends for the constant love and support they have given and continue to give throughout this testing time.”

After Watkins’ first appearance in court earlier this year, Lostprophets wrote on their website: “Following charges made today against Ian Watkins, 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. Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu.”