Paedophile rocker Ian Watkins' former Lostprophets bandmates have vehemently denied having any knowledge of his sickening behaviour following his guilty plea to a string of child sex offences.

Watkins sensationally admitted a number of charges, including attempting to rape a baby, at Cardiff Cardiff Crown Court in Wales on Tuesday (26Nov13).

His bandmates have remained quiet throughout the police investigation, but they have now released a lengthy statement on the now defunct group's Facebook.com page.

In the post, Mike Lewis, Stuart Richardson, Jamie Oliver and Luke Johnson reveal they were shocked when Watkins changed his plea to guilty, and although knowing he was "difficult" and "egotistical", insist they were clueless to his perverted ways.

The message reads, "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.

"We are heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed. This is something that will haunt us for the rest of our lives."

The rockers have now urged anyone affected by Watkins' actions to go to the police: "We hope for justice, but also that Ian will truly take responsibility for what he's done. We would urge any other victims to contact the authorities."

Watkins is due to be sentenced on 18 December (13) alongside two women, aged 20 and 24, who cannot be named for legal reasons.