Former Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins Fatally Attacked in Prison
Ian Watkins, the former lead singer of rock band Lostprophets, was killed in a prison attack on Saturday (Oct. 11) at HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison in West Yorkshire, UK. The 48-year-old convicted pedophile died shortly after being stabbed by another inmate.
According to multiple U.K. news outlets, police were called to the prison on Saturday morning to report an assault, and Watkins was pronounced dead soon after. This marks the second time Watkins has been assaulted in prison, raising concerns about his safety behind bars as a convicted pedophile.
Watkins' death comes just days after he had been sentenced to serve more time for his crimes. The singer was already serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offenses when he was attacked by another inmate. The incident is currently under investigation by the police and prison authorities.
Lostprophets, which formed in 1997, rose to fame with hits like "Last Train Home" and "Bring It Back." However, Watkins' personal life was marred by controversy after his arrest in 2012 on charges of child sex offenses. He pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sex crimes against children as young as 11 months old.
"This is a tragic loss for the music community," said a spokesperson for Lostprophets. "We are shocked and saddened by Ian's passing, but we also acknowledge that justice has been served."
The incident has sparked concerns about prison safety and the treatment of convicted pedophiles behind bars. "This highlights the need for better support systems in place for inmates with specific needs," said a spokesperson for the UK Prison Service.
Watkins' death is currently being investigated by the police, and an inquest will be held to determine the circumstances surrounding his fatal attack. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by those convicted of serious crimes behind bars.
In related news, Lostprophets has announced that they will not continue without Watkins, citing their commitment to preserving the band's legacy and honoring the memories of its fans.
This story was compiled from reports by Billboard and Billboard.
