Posts Tagged ‘investigation’

Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins Denied Bail in Child Sex Offense Case

Ian Gavan, Getty Images Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins will remain behind bars after the Cardiff Crown Court denied his appeal for bail Thursday (Jan. 10). The Mirror reports that the singer, who was arrested late last year for alleged sex offenses relating to minors, appeared via video link from Parc Prison in Bridgend and Judge Eleri Reese denied his plea. With the ruling, Watkins will now remain in custody until at least his next plea hearing, which is scheduled for later this month. The vocalist has been charged with two incidents of conspiring to engage in sexual touching with two young children and another four offenses of possessing and distributing indecent images of children. Watkins bandmates issued a statement at the time of his December arrest, explaining, “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.” The band called off their scheduled tour after the singer’s arrest. The group has been supporting their 2012 album, ‘Weapons.’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/lostprophets-vocalist-ian-watkins-to-remain-in-police-custody-on-child-sex-charges/” title=”Next: Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins Held in Police Custody” align=”center”] ?

Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins Arrested on Multiple Child Sex Offense Charges

Ian Gavan, Getty Images In shocking news out of the United Kingdom,  Lostprophets lead singer Ian Watkins has been charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13, along with the possession and distribution of “indecent images of children.” This story comes as a major shock to fans of the longtime singer of the Lostprophets, who have sold 3.5 million albums worldwide throughout the band’s 15-year history. The Welsh group had a No. 1 alternative rock hit in the United States with ‘Last Train Home’ in 2004. According to The Guardian and other reputable sources like BBC News, two women, ages 20 and 24, have been charged alongside Watkins with similar offenses. The three are currently being held in police custody, having already appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court today (Dec. 19). Bail applications from all three parties have been denied. Watkins will remain in police custody until his next scheduled court appearance on Dec. 31. A statement from a police spokesperson reads as follows: A Pontypridd man has been charged with sexual offences against children and is due to appear at Cardiff magistrates court today. The 35-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children. In order to assist their investigation, South Wales police has named the man as Ian Watkins, a member of the rock group Lostprophets.” South Wales police are encouraging those who may have information about the charges to come forth. “Specially-trained staff are available to speak to anyone with concerns or information regarding this investigation and a dedicated telephone number has been set up,” says Senior Investigating Officer Peter Doyle. “I want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us … Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken.” Update: The UK newspaper The Independent is reporting that Watkins is being accused of conspiring with one of the arrested women to sexually abuse a 1-year-old girl. In addition, the publication also reports that the singer is accused of two incidents of “sexual touching” involving young children. Moreover, Watkins is alleged to have possessed “extreme” animal pornography. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/shocking-rock-stories-of-2012/” title=”Next: More Shocking Rock Stories of 2012″ align=”center”]

Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe Receives Date for Czech Manslaughter Trial

Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Two weeks ago, we reported that Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe was officially indicted on manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic. It is now being reported that Blythe will stand trial for the controversial charges on Feb. 4, 2013. Upon being indicted, the Prague 8 District Court had two decisions they could have made. The court had three months to either delay the trial in order to continue the collection of evidence, or set an official date. That decision has now been made and Blythe will begin legal proceedings on Feb. 4. “We have issued Randy Blythe with a court summons, and he is obliged to attend the hearing in person,” said court spokeswoman Martina Lhotáková  [ via Prague Post ]. “The trial will determine the culpability of Blythe and his potential punishment.” Blythe has stated that although he could easily hide out in the United States to avoid court proceedings, he will cooperate with the Czech legal system. The vocalist was jailed for over a month earlier this year on accusations of manslaughter after a fan died from head injuries supposedly sustained at a Lamb of God show in 2010. “I want my name cleared,” Blythe stated in a recent interview . “I have to go around the world and tour, you know? That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.” According to Lhotáková, Blythe’s Czech trial is expected to last four days. Although the date has officially been set, the court still has the option of sending the case back to the prosecutor and police for further investigation. Stay tuned for more news as it breaks. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/lamb-of-god-manager-responds-randy-blythe-czech-republic-indictment/” title=”Next: Lamb of God’s Manager Responds to Randy Blythe’s Indictment” align=”center”]

Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe to Learn if He’ll Stand Trial for Criminal Charges by November’s End

Bradley Kanaris, Getty Images Lamb of God ‘s Randy Blythe  will learn in the coming weeks whether or not he’ll have to stand trial on criminal charges in the Czech Republic, as the case file has been sent to the prosecutor for review. Czech news site iDNES.cz reports that police have completed their investigation into the alleged manslaughter case and recommended that the vocalist be indicted and ordered to return to the Czech Republic to stand trial. The prosecutor in charge of the case will now review the facts and determine whether there is enough criminal liability to pursue the case further. A spokesperson for the Municipal Public Prosecutor’s Office in Prague, Stephanka Zenklova, stated that a decision on the matter will be made before the end of November. The singer was arrested this summer for his alleged involvement in the death of an audience member who sustained an injury after being thrown off the stage at their show. The injury didn’t immediately present itself, and the victim passed away a month later. Blythe spent 37 days in a Czech prison before finally being set free on bail. Shortly after arriving back in the U.S., the vocalist stated that he planned to return to face the charge and that the victim’s family had the right to some answers. He added, “I want my name cleared. I have to go around the world and tour, you know. That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-lamb-of-god-songs/” title=”Next: 10 Best Lamb of God Songs” align=”center”]

Suicide Silence Frontman Mitch Lucker Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com There’s sad news to report as Suicide Silence frontman Mitch Lucker has died at the age of 28 after a late night motorcycle accident in Huntington Beach, Calif. The Press-Enterprise reports that Lucker passed away Thursday morning (Nov. 1) following the accident. The Orange County coroner’s office said the musician was pronounced dead at 6:17AM PT at the UCI Medical Center in Orange County, Calif. Huntington Beach police were investigating the crash Thursday morning and expected to release details once their investigation was complete. Lucker, a native of Riverside, Calif., formed Suicide Silence with his friends in 2002. The group released their debut disc, ‘The Cleansing’ in 2007 and followed that by the well-received discs ‘No Time to Bleed’ and ‘The Black Crown.’ During his tenure, Lucker and his bandmates won Revolver Gold Gods Awards for Most Innovative Band and Best New Band. The surviving members of Suicide Silence released the following statement: There’s no easy way to say this. Mitch passed away earlier this morning from injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident. This is completely devastating to all of us and we offer our deepest condolences to his family. He will be forever in our hearts. R.I.P. Mitchell Adam Lucker. We love you, brother. The band’s label, Nuclear Blast Records, issued a statement that reads as follows: It is with great sadness and regret this morning that we have to report that Mitch Lucker, vocalist of SUICIDE SILENCE, passed away a few hours ago due to injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident. NUCLEAR BLAST would like to offer our condolences to his family, friends, band members and fans worldwide who are affected by this loss. He left us doing what he loved to do most. He was 28 years old and will be sorely missed. Fans are encouraged to share their memories, photos of Mitch and condolences on the band’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SuicideSilence Suicide Silence were slated to return to touring Nov. 16 for the 2012 Outbreak Tour . They were also part of the bill for the upcoming California Metalfest VI . Loudwire would like to offer its deepest condolences to Mitch Lucker’s family and band mates. Our thoughts are with you during this tragic time. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/sons-of-azrael-vocalist-joe-siracuse-dies-at-29/” title=”Next: See the Rockers We’ve Lost in 2012″ align=”center”]