Photo: WENN

Lostprophets star Ian Watkins is on suicide watch while behind bars, as he waits to go on trial for a number of child sex charges.

The 'Last Train Home' singer appeared via video link from Parc Prison at Cardiff Crown Court to face 24 charges, that include the rape of a baby and the posession of 'extreme' animal pornography. 

Defending, Sally O’Neill QC, told the court: “He is on suicide watch five times an hour.

“He has been seen by a clinical psychologist and she believes he should be receiving anti-psychotic medication.  She wants him to be taken to a secure hospital for assessment and treatment.”

The 35-year-old from Pontypridd denies all charges.

He also faces allegations of two counts of rape of a child under one-year of age, one count of sexual assault of the same child and one count of conspiracy to rape another baby.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between March 2007 and December 2012.

Watkins' full trial will begin on 25 November and is expected to last a month. An application to transfer the trial to a venue outside Wales was denied.

Back in June, Watkins released a statement through his solicitor that protested his innocence.

 "I want to thank my family, friends and all the fans for their continued support throughout this whole ordeal," he said. "Your support gives me strength. I deny all the allegations against me and I will fight to the end to clear my name."