The ongoing case against Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has taken an unexpected turn. The Independent Police Complaints Commission is currently investigating the South Wales Police in regards to how expediently they reacted in regards to Watkins‘ arrest.
The IPCC appears to be concerned that the police may have failed to act in a timely manner in regards to the investigation; which saw Watkins and two unidentified females in their early 20’s picked up on various charges.
Those charges included conspiracy to rape a one year old child—a charge only Watkins and one of the aforementioned females is facing. The trio are also facing charges of possession of various indecent images and animal pornography.
The conspiracy charges were originally said to have related to a period between May 01st, 2012 and December 17th, 2012; while the charges of possession of indecent images/animal pornography stem from a period between August 12th, 2012 and December 17th, 2012. Watkins is thought to have been arrested and taken into custody on the charges on or around December 18th/19th.
The IPCC appear to be concerned with just how long it took the police to actually arrest Watkins given the nature of his alleged offenses. Regarding the matter, Wales IPCC commissioner Tom Davies recently told the BBC:
“We received a referral from South Wales Police on 25 January 2013 relating to Ian Watkins. Following a thorough assessment I have decided that we will carry out an independent investigation. Our investigation will determine whether or not South Wales Police failed to take appropriate and timely action in relation to information they were in receipt of in advance of Mr Watkins subsequent arrest. We are aware of four forces having provided South Wales Police with information but, as criminal proceedings are active, it would be inappropriate to publish further information at this time.”
Watkins is next due in court on March 11th and has thus far been remanded in custody since his initial arrest this past December.
