Welsh rock band Lostprophets have said they are "heartbroken, angry and disgusted" at former frontman Ian Watkins after the singer admitted a string of sex crimes.
The 36-year-old, of Pontypridd, South Wales, pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of a baby and 10 other sex offences.
Band members Jamie Oliver, Lee Gaze, Luke Johnson, Mike Lewis and Stuart Richardson said they did not know about the crimes, and "never imagined him capable of behaviour of the type he has now admitted".
Watkins had faced 24 sex offence charges, but admitted 11 at the last minute as his trial was due to begin at Cardiff Crown Court.
The court heard he plotted the abuse with the mothers of two babies - who pleaded guilty to 13 offences in total between them - in a series of text and internet messages.
Ian Watkins admitted a string of paedophile offences Watkins also confessed to aiding and abetting a woman to sexually abuse her own child.
And he pleaded guilty to possessing and making indecent photographs of children, as well as having extreme pornographic material involving bestiality on his computer hard drive.
His bandmates said in a statement: "Earlier this week, we learned that the allegations of child sexual abuse against Ian were true, and that he would not be contesting them in court.
"Until then, we found them extremely difficult to believe and had hoped it was all a mistake. Sadly, the true extent of his appalling behaviour is now impossible to deny.
"Many of you understandably want to know if we knew what Ian was doing. To be clear: we did not.
"We knew that Ian was a difficult character. Our personal relationships with him had deteriorated in recent years to a point that working together was a constant, miserable challenge.
"But despite his battles with drugs, his egotistic behaviour, and the resulting fractures and frustrations within our band, we never imagined him capable of behaviour of the type he has now admitted.
The singer is due to be sentenced this month "We are heartbroken, angry and disgusted at what has been revealed. This is something that will haunt us for the rest of our lives.
"Being in a band has always been a labour of love and a platform to inspire people, not to take advantage of them.
"It's still hard to believe this is happening and that someone we were once so close to has destroyed so many lives, lying every step of the way.
"Our hearts go out to Ian's family, the fans and friends he betrayed, and most importantly, the victims of his crimes and others like them.
"We hope for justice, but also that Ian will truly take responsibility for what he's done."
The group, who had been together since 1997 and announced they were splitting on October 1, urged any other victims to contact the authorities.
:: Anyone who has been affected by the Watkins case, or other cases of child abuse, is urged to contact South Wales Police on 029 20634184 or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
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