FORMER Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has been jailed for 29 years for a string of child sex offences which "plumbed new depths of depravity".

The disgraced rock star even spoke with a female fan from prison the day after admitting two counts of attempted baby rape and said he was going to issue a statement saying it had all been "mega lolz".

Watkins confessed to 13 offences at Cardiff Crown Court - where he was described as a committed and determined paedophile.

Trial judge Mr Justice Royce told him and his co-defendants that what they had done "plumbed new depths of depravity".

After sexually touching a groupie's 11-month-old baby, Watkins then tried to have penetrative sex with the child. He also encouraged a second fan to abuse her child during a webcam chat and secretly stashed child porn videos, some of which he had made himself.

And it is feared the incidents could be just the tip of the iceberg. Police are investigating whether Watkins, 36, committed further abuse in the US and Germany.

The judge told Watkins, who had lost his initial cockiness and was shaking visibly, that he would serve 29 years in jail with the final six on licence.

His two accomplices, Woman A and Woman B, were jailed for 14 years and 16 years respectively.

The judge told Watkins: "Those who have appeared in these courts over many years see a large number of horrific cases. This case, however, breaks new ground.

"You, Watkins, achieved fame and success as the lead singer of Lostprophets.

You had many fawning fans. That gave you power. You knew you could use that power to induce young female fans to have help satisify your insatiable lust and take part in the sexual abuse of their own children.

"Away from the highlights of your public performances lay a dark and sinister side."

Watkins looked blanked as he was led from the dock.

The stiff sentence was greeted by shouts of 'yes' from the public gallery.