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Former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was murdered in HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison in West Yorkshire, England. Fellow inmates are said to have stabbed the 48-year-old musician, who had been serving a 29-year sentence since 2013 for a number of serious sexual offenses against children, in the neck with a knife on Saturday morning (October 11). He died at the scene as a result of his injuries. Guitarist Lee Gaze, Watkins’ former bandmate, reported on the social media platform X with a short message after the death became known.
After the murder of Ian Watkins – former bandmate speaks out
On He replied to some users with the “praying hands” emoji. Furthermore, in response to an old interview clip with the band on his X account, he found very clear words for what Ian Watkins did. “That sick bastard obviously knew what he was saying. I can assure you that none of us would have ever let him go to prison if we had known about it.”
Back in July, the musician spoke in that same thread about the band’s abrupt and painful end 13 years ago. This shows that the events continue to be stressful for him. Recent events seem to be reopening many things. The murdered singer’s ex-bandmate is once again confronted with hatred online. He is apparently still accused of having known something about Ian Watkins’ horrendous crimes. However, he vehemently denies this.
That’s why Ian Watkins was convicted
Ian Watkins was the singer of the successful British rock band Lostprophets. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 for heinous sexual offenses including attempted rape of a baby. He confessed to the crimes in court and showed little remorse, describing himself as a pedophile. Police have arrested two men, aged 25 and 43, on suspicion of murder. The investigation into the crime is ongoing.
The crime took place in the prison complex, which is nicknamed “Monster Mansion” because of its particularly dangerous inmates. Inmates come there for murder, terrorism and serious sexual crimes. Watkins has already been subjected to several physical attacks there. In August 2023 he was seriously injured with a knife and even briefly held hostage.
After his conviction, the band broke up and his former fellow musicians distanced themselves from him. They continued as a band under the name No Devotion.