Convicted paedophile Ian Watkins has denied being in possession of a mobile phone in Wakefield prison, reports Examiner Live .

The former Lostprophets frontman appeared in court accused of having a phone in his cell at the maximum security prison between March 4 and 10 last year.

The shamed 41-year-old Welsh singer is currently serving 35 years for child sex offences – including planning to rape a baby.

He appeared in Leeds Crown Court this morning via video link from HMP Wakefield to face the charge.

He appeared on screen wearing his grey and black hair tied back and a blue denim jacket with a white collar.

(Image: PA)

Stephen Wood, prosecuting, said: "The issue here is that he was in possession of a mobile phone in his cell.

He spoke to confirm his name and enter his plea during the brief hearing.

Watkins, who is originally from Pontypridd, pleaded not guilty to one count of the unauthorised possession of a mobile phone.

His trial, which is expected to last five days, was listed for August 5.

(Image: PA)

Mr Wood added: "The jury will have to know about his previous convictions."

Watkins was returned to custody.

In 2013, he pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to 13 child sex offences and was sentenced alongside two mothers of children he abused.

Watkins admitted the attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under 13.

(Image: Rex)

He also admitted conspiring to rape a child, three counts of sexual assault involving children, seven involving taking, making or possessing indecent images of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a sex act on an animal.

Sentencing the three, Mr Justice Royce said the case broke 'new ground' and 'plunged into new depths of depravity'.

The judge said Watkins had a 'corrupting influence' and had shown a 'complete lack of remorse'. He also said Watkins posed a significant risk to the public in particular to women with young children.