Lostprophets singer charged with child sex crimes

(AP) The lead singer of British rock band Lostprophets has been charged with sexual offenses against children.

Ian Watkins is due in court Wednesday in the Welsh capital, Cardiff.

South Wales Police says 35-year-old Watkins, from the Welsh town of Pontypridd, faces charges of conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children.

Two women, aged 20 and 24, have been charged with related offenses.

The band was formed in 1997 and had a chart-topping British album in 2006 with Liberation Transmission.