Former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins will not be allowed to appeal against his lengthy prison sentence for a string of child sex offences.

He was challenging his 35-year sentence for 13 child sex offences, including the attempted rape of an 11-month old baby.

The disgraced rock star had claimed he was treated too harshly when he was handed a 29-year jail term and an additional six years on licence.

Watkins (36) originally declared he was innocent of the offences, which also included possession of child-abuse videos, some which he made himself, and encouraging a fan to abuse her own child.

But at the last minute he changed his plea, averting the need for a trial. He later complained he had not realised his guilty plea would make him "look guilty".

Judge Mr Justice Royce told Watkins at the trial "Those who have appeared in these courts over many years see a large number of horrific cases. This case, however, breaks new ground".

"I am satisfied that you are a deeply corrupting influence, you are highly manipulative, you are a sexual predator, you are dangerous. The public and, in particular, young females need protection from you".

Watkins was told that he would have to serve two-thirds of the custodial term before he could be considered for release by the Parole Board.

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

Lord Justice Pitchford said today that the offences were of "shocking depravity" and deserved a "very lengthy prison sentence".