Famous British Singer Convicted of Sexual Crimes Against 11-Month-Old Dies After Prison Attack

Died from excessive bleeding after being assaulted by inmates
Was also attacked by other prisoners in August last year

Ian Watkins, a famous British rock star who was serving time for the sexual assault of an infant, has died after being attacked by fellow inmates. On the 12th (local time), international media outlets including the BBC reported that Watkins died from excessive bleeding after being assaulted by other prisoners at Wakefield Prison in West Yorkshire the previous day. Police and medical personnel rushed to the scene immediately after the incident, but Watkins was reportedly already unconscious with severe neck injuries.

Ian Watkins in 2013, after being convicted of child sexual offenses. Photo by BBC

In connection with Watkins' death, police have arrested two male inmates in their 20s and 40s on suspicion of murder and are currently investigating. It is believed that they used improvised weapons to target Watkins' neck. A source told The Sun, "It appears to have been a premeditated attack," adding, "Regardless of who Watkins was, this incident is extremely horrific and shocking."

Watkins was the lead vocalist of the band Lostprophets, which was formed in 1997 and was active throughout the 2000s, selling millions of albums and achieving fame as a rock star. However, in 2013, he was convicted on 13 counts related to child sexual offenses and sentenced to 35 years in prison. That same year, the other members issued a statement announcing the band's disbandment. At the time, Judge John Royce, who handed down Watkins' sentence, stated, "You committed crimes at the very depths of depravity," and ruled that "Watkins is a danger to society and young women must be protected from him."

Watkins was charged with multiple offenses, including the sexual assault of an 11-month-old infant, several rapes of children under the age of 13, conspiracy to rape a child, and the filming, production, and possession of child pornography. He was subsequently incarcerated at Wakefield Prison, known as "Monster Mansion," which is regarded as one of the most secure prisons in the UK and houses many violent and sexual offenders. In August 2023, while serving his sentence, Watkins was also attacked by other inmates.