Convicted Child Sex Offender Ian Watkins Murdered Behind Bars

On October 11, 2025, former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was killed in an attack at HMP Wakefield prison in Yorkshire. Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences, had previously been stabbed at the same prison in 2023, though his injuries were not life-threatening at the time.

According to reports, prison staff called the police shortly after 9:30 am on Saturday morning, stating that a prisoner had been assaulted. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the 38-year-old Watkins was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. Detectives are now investigating the incident, and the prison service has stated that they are unable to comment further while the police inquiry is ongoing.

Watkins, who hailed from Pontypridd in Wales, was a disgraced rock star whose crimes had shocked the music industry and the public. His conviction for a series of child sex offences in 2013 had led to the dissolution of his band Lostprophets and widespread condemnation. The news of his death in prison is likely to elicit a range of reactions, from relief to outrage, as the public grapples with the tragic end of a once-promising musical career.