Wales’ First Minister today faced calls for an inquiry into alleged failings by social services and the police which may have led to the crimes of paedophile Ian Watkins going undetected.
BBC Wales’ Week In Week Out programme has uncovered evidence that warnings were made to social services in Rhondda Cynon Taff as far back as 2008.
Andrew RT Davies AM, Leader of the Opposition, said:
“There remain serious questions about how such a serial child sex offender could escape detection for so long and why alarm bells didn’t ring earlier.
“These latest revelations cast some light on what may have gone wrong, but the time is now right for a full inquiry to properly learn the lessons of this case.
“Nothing can be more important than protecting vulnerable children from the threat of abuse.
“This horrendous case highlights the importance of effective working between the police and local authority social services.
“We must ensure that every possible safeguard is in place to prevent a repeat of this catalogue of horrific crimes against children.
“The Welsh Government has a key role in overseeing social services and other relevant authorities and a serious case review could help address these grave concerns.
“I hope Labour Ministers will take a lead on child protection by bringing relevant organisations together to learn the lessons and prevent future tragedies.”
Week In, Week Out: The Valleys Boy Who Became a Monster – Tuesday, 18 February on BBC One Wales at 22:35 GMT.
