Former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins will appear in court today facing a string of sex charges, including raping a baby.

The 36-year-old rock singer denies all 24 charges against him.

He appeared in Cardiff Crown Court yesterday - alongside two female co-defendants - where jury selection began.

A panel of 22 potential jurors was picked from an initial pool of 72 and final 12 are expected to be sworn in today.

Once that process is complete, Chris Clee QC will open the case for the prosecution.

Judge Justice Royce has already warned that those who found themselves on the jury panel would have to watch some "very graphic material".

He said: "Often members of the jury have to listen to or view evidence which is very distressing or unpleasant. This is irrespective of the guilt or innocence of the defendant."

Watkins, from Pontypridd, is accused of two separate counts of raping a baby, as well as conspiracy to rape another child, one count of sexual assault, one of aiding and abetting sexual assault by penetration and conspiracy to sexually assault a child.

He also faces 17 counts of making, taking and possessing indecent images and one of possessing extreme pornographic image involving an animal.

Two women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also face sexual offence accusations as part of the case.

The three defendants, who will be standing trial together, face a total of 32 charges.

Watkins, who is being represented by London-based QC Sally O'Neill, appeared in court yesterday dressed in a charcoal-coloured three-piece suit.

During the hearing, potential jurors were also told the names and occupations of some 30 people due to give evidence in the trial.

The list included several police officers, forensic scientists and computer analysts.

Several key locations significant to the trial were also mentioned - such as a number of hotels in the Cardiff area.

Judge Mr Justice Royce issued a "very serious warning" to the selected group of 22 not to look up details about any of the defendants on the internet.

He said those who ignored this would face prosecution.

The trial is expected to last around three weeks.

The remaining members of Lostprophets, who have sold around 3.5 million records, announced the band was splitting up last month.