Lostprophet singer's bandmates glad of 'closure'

Former bandmates of paedophile singer Ian Watkins have expressed their relief that justice has been served.

Co-founding Lostprophets member and lead guitarist Lee Gaze - alongside rhythm guitarist Mike Lewis, bass player Stuart Richardson, keyboard player Jamie Oliver and drummer Luke Johnson - were left in a "state of shock" when news broke that someone they regarded as a close friend was a devious paedophile.

In a statement issued last year, the group said they had only found out about the singer being charged by the police after Watkins' first court appearance at Cardiff Magistrates Court.

The remaining members kept a dignified silence on the matter, despite receiving scores of abusive messages from internet trolls,

But lead guitarist Gaze could not hide his relief on Twitter when learning that Watkins had pleaded guilty.

After re-tweeting a message about Watkins from an account called '@UKpaedosnamed', the guitarist wrote: "That was over quick. Thank f***.

"Thanks for the kind words. At least there is closure now."