Paedophile star may pocket €100k royalties

Paedophile rock star Ian Watkins will continue to rake in thousands of pounds in royalties even as he spends years behind bars.

The depraved former Lostprophets lead singer could pocket an estimated £100,000 (€118,520) in royalty cash generated since he was charged last year.

After Watkins is jailed at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, a continued stream of cash for past work will ensure he remains a wealthy man. His notoriety could even cause a cash generation spike as music sales and internet searches rise.

The 36-year-old, from Pontypridd, admitted two counts of attempted rape on the baby of a female fan on the eve of a trial last month.

He also admitted conspiracy to rape the baby of another female fan, sexually touching a one-year-old, and possessing and making child porn. He also plotted sex abuse with the mothers of the babies in a series of text and internet messages. Both women, who cannot be named, will be sentenced with him.

As his artistic activities continue to be broadcast around the world, royalty payments will keep flowing in. Music lawyer Craig Brookes explained that as the band’s lyricist, Watkins will be in line for a big cut of any fees generated.

“The biggest income stream will almost certainly be publishing which, even if radio play has stopped, will still be pretty big,” he said.

Sadly, the case could also be generating a substantial pick-up in album sales.

“The records could be earning a substantial amount... It could be over £100,000 easily.”