Ian Watkins, the lead singer of the rock band Lostprophets, has died after being attacked in Wakefield Prison in England. Police said two men, aged 25 and 43, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the shocking attack.
Watkins, who was 48 years old, was found badly hurt in his prison cell on Saturday morning. Paramedics tried to save him, but he died at the scene, police confirmed.
What Happened at Wakefield Prison
Police said they were called to HMP Wakefield after reports of a serious assault. The prison, known as one of the toughest in the UK, has a history of violence between inmates.
A prison spokesperson said they know about the incident but can’t share more details while the police continue their investigation.
This attack happened just two weeks after a report said violence in the prison had gone up, and many older prisoners — especially those jailed for sex crimes — felt unsafe living with younger inmates.
Who Was Ian Watkins?
Ian Watkins was once a famous rock star from Pontypridd, Wales. His band, Lostprophets, was formed in 1997 and became very popular around the world. They sold millions of albums and had fans across Europe and the U.S.
But in 2013, Watkins’ fame came crashing down when he was jailed for 29 years for child sex crimes, including the attempted rape of a baby. He was also sentenced to an extra six years on licence after his release.
Two women who helped him — both mothers of the children he abused — were also sent to prison for 14 and 17 years.
His Life in Prison
Watkins had already been attacked once before in prison, in August 2023, but he survived that time with non-life-threatening injuries. This latest attack, however, turned out to be fatal.
Wakefield Prison is known for housing dangerous and high-profile inmates, and many sex offenders there are often targeted by others.
His Crimes and Court Case
During his trial in 2013, judges said Watkins’ crimes were “beyond imagination” and “shocked the nation.” They said he used his fame to manipulate fans, abuse children, and showed no remorse for what he did.
Prosecutors said he was addicted to drugs like crystal meth, which made him even more reckless and dangerous. His request to reduce his sentence in 2014 was rejected by the court. After the sentencing, the NSPCC (a child protection charity) said:
“Watkins used his fame to hurt children. We must remember this is not about celebrity — it’s about victims, and those victims were children.”
His Band and Legacy
After Watkins was found guilty, Lostprophets broke up immediately. The other band members cut all ties with him and said they were “horrified and disgusted” by his actions.
Once known for hit songs and sold-out shows, Watkins’ name became a symbol of disgrace. Now, with his death inside prison, it closes a dark and painful story in British rock music.
Police Investigation
West Yorkshire Police are still looking into what happened and how the attack started. They have not shared the names of the two men arrested.
The Prison Service and police will release more details after the investigation is complete.
In short:
Ian Watkins, the former Lostprophets singer and convicted paedophile, was killed in a prison attack at HMP Wakefield. Two inmates have been arrested, and police are investigating what led to the violent assault.
