Wakefield, 12 October (H.S.): Ian Watkins, former lead vocalist of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets, has died following a violent attack at HMP Wakefield, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for a series of horrific child sex offences. Watkins, 48 and originally from Pontypridd, was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday morning after police were called to reports of a serious assault.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that two men, aged 25 and 43, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody as investigations continue. The Prison Service acknowledged the incident but declined further comment while police inquiries are ongoing, citing procedural constraints.Watkins had been jailed in December 2013 after admitting multiple counts, including attempted rape of a baby, conspiracy to rape a child, and possessing indecent images.
He previously survived a stabbing in prison in August 2023, which left him with non-life-threatening injuries.A damning report into HMP Wakefield, published just two weeks ago, found that violence—particularly against older men convicted of sexual offences—had markedly increased within the high-security facility.
Many inmates confessed to feeling unsafe, highlighting tensions between age groups and the cohabitation of those convicted of serious crimes.Lostprophets, formed in 1997, achieved global success before Watkins' criminal actions came to light, selling millions of albums and earning top chart positions in the UK and US.
After his sentencing, authorities and campaigners underscored the need to remember the children victimized by Watkins' abuse, rather than his celebrity status. Sentencing judge Mr Justice Royce described Watkins as having a complete lack of remorse and labelled the case a new depth of depravity that shocked the nation.
The investigation into Watkins’ death is ongoing, with both the Metropolitan Police and Prison Service emphasizing that victim protection and security must remain paramount.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
