Artist News Legal

Jurors may need counselling after hearing Watkins case, says judge

By | Published on Tuesday 15 October 2013

Ian Watkins

Jurors may need counselling after the upcoming trial of Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins, a judge warned yesterday in a routine court hearing. Watkins and his two co-accused each appeared via video link in court yesterday as preparations for their trail next month were made, including discussions about jury selection.

As previously reported, the singer faces a number of charges, including two relating to the rape of a one year old girl, several other instances of child abuse, making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children, and owning “extreme” pornography involving an animal.

Watkins and one of the women also accused deny all the charges, though the other accused woman has now, according to Wales Online, admitted to sexually touching, and taking and distributing indecent images, of a child.

Yesterday’s judge, Eleri Rees, adjourned the case for a pre-trial review early next month to be overseen by the trial judge, Roger Royce. Rees told prosecution and defence lawyers that they should prepare a list of questions to put to potential jurors during the selection process.

Noting the nature of the charges against Watkins, Rees added: “There is also the question that some jury members, having completed the trial, may need counselling”.



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