Lostprophets' Ian Watkins Denies Raping Baby

Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has appeared in court accused of raping a baby.

The singer told Cardiff Crown Court he denied 24 charges including two counts of rape of a child under one-year of age, one count of sexual assault of the same child and one count of conspiracy to rape another baby.

Appearing via videolink, the 35-year-old also pleaded not guilty to the taking, making and possession of indecent images of children.

Unshaven and dressed in a dark baseball jacket, Watkins' hair appeared greyer than at previous hearings.

A statement issued by the singer's solicitor on his behalf said: "I want to thank my family, friends and all the fans for their continued support throughout this whole ordeal.

"Your support gives me strength. I deny all the allegations against me and I will fight to the end to clear my name."

The charges related to alleged offences committed between March 2007 and December 2012.

The trial is expected to take place later in the year.