Those who knew Lostprophets’ Ian Watkins react to shocking news

Around the time details of the Ian Watkins trial were hitting the net, those who knew him were tweeting, and while no one mentioned him outright, the replies that followed strongly suggested that is who they were referring to.

Today, the 36-year-old frontman pleaded guilty to 13 sexual offences, including two of attempting to rape a baby, sexually assaulting a child aged under 13 and aiding and abetting a female co-defendant to sexually assault a child under 13.

Seeming to react to the news, former Lostprophets bandmate Lee Gaze tweeted: “That was over quick. Thank fuck.”

After receiving a reply saying: “Sorry to hear that you were associated with such a man, here’s to your future, keep your chin man :)”, Lee replied with “Me too.”

Lee later tweeted thanking his followers for their support.

“Thanks for the kind words. At least there is closure now,” he said.

When news first broke of his arrest – and with Watkins denying the charges – several fans were willing to support him until he was proven guilty. Since pleading guilty today, that support has fast dried up.