They've said they weren't aware of their colleagues' crimes, although admitting he was a "difficult character" and that their relationship with him was in the process of breaking down. And they've called for any further victims to come forward and speak out.

Watkins was arrested and remanded in December 2012, and last week pleaded guilty to 13 charges against him including the attempted rape of a baby.

The rest of the band – Lee Gaze, Mike Lewis, Stuart Richardson, Jamie Oliver and Luke Johnson – confirmed in October they wouldn't attempt to continue their career.

Now they say in a statement: "We have learned that the allegations 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.