Ian Watkins, the disgraced former frontman of rock band Lostprophets, has been found dead in his prison cell at HMP Wakefield. The convicted paedophile was serving a 35-year sentence for what a judge described as "depraved" and "unimaginable" child sex offences.
The 46-year-old Welsh musician was discovered unresponsive on the morning of October 2nd at the Category A prison in West Yorkshire, known as one of Britain's most secure facilities for dangerous offenders. Prison staff and paramedics attempted resuscitation, but Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Notorious Inmate's Final Days
Watkins had been incarcerated since 2013 after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby. His sentencing judge noted the crimes were so horrific they were "unimaginable by normal people."
HMP Wakefield, often referred to as "Monster Mansion," houses some of Britain's most dangerous criminals, including serial killers and high-profile sex offenders. The prison has faced previous scrutiny over inmate safety and security protocols.
From Rock Stardom to Prison Infamy
Before his conviction, Watkins led Lostprophets to international success during the 2000s, with the band achieving several top ten albums and a dedicated fanbase. Their 2006 single "Rooftops" became an anthem for the alternative rock scene.
The shocking revelations about Watkins's crimes devastated fans and fellow band members alike, with the remaining members forming a new band, No Devotion, after disbanding Lostprophets.
A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed: "HMP Wakefield prisoner Ian Watkins was found unresponsive in his cell on October 2. Staff attempted CPR but he was pronounced dead. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation."
