Convicted paedophile Ian Watkins was killed in prison yesterday morning as his Lostprophets bandmate Lee Gaze has issued a five-word message following the news
Ian Watkins’ former bandmate has spoken out following the news of the paedophile’s death behind bars. The disgraced Lostprophets singer was stabbed to death in prison in an alleged knife attack.
He is said to have had his throat slashed at Wakefield Prison yesterday morning. A Prison Service spokesperson said on Saturday: “We are aware of an incident at HMP Wakefield which took place this morning.
“We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.” A statement from West Yorkshire Police added: “At 9.39am this morning (Saturday), police were called by staff at HMP Wakefield reporting an assault on a prisoner.
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“Emergency services attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating and inquiries remain ongoing at the scene.”
In 2013, the 48-year-old pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to 13 child sex offences. He also admitted to the rape and sexual assault of a child who was under the age of 13.
Watkins also admitted conspiring to rape a child, three counts of sexual assault involving children, seven involving taking, making or possessing indecent images of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a sex act on an animal.
Lostprophets guitarist Lee Gaze has since broken his silence following the news with a simple message. A fan had wished him and his bandmates well last night, and Lee responded: “Thanks for the kind words.”
Back in July, Lee had spoken out against Watkins in a post on social media after years of staying silent. He said it was “painful” to reflect on the past as he revealed the deep impact Watkins’ crimes had on him and the devastation of how the band’s journey ended.
He wrote: “It’s been 13 years since my band ended in the most unimaginable circumstances and it’s still painful to think about. Things could’ve been so different.
“I don’t talk about it much, but I put everything into that band, and it should’ve lasted a lifetime. I never really wronged anyone my whole life so it seemed like the ultimate punishment.”
Lee has since joined forces with No Devotion, sharing the stage with American singer Geoff Rickly from Thursday and fellow ex-Lostprophets mate Stu Richardson. Former bandmates Mike Lewis, Luke Johnson and Jamie Oliver were once part of the band before their departure.
West Yorkshire Police said two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after Watkins’ death. The suspects, aged 25 and 43, are currently in police custody.
The force said in a statement: “Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in HMP Wakefield. Officers were called by staff at the prison at 9.39am this morning (Saturday October 11) to reports of a serious assault on a prisoner.
“A man aged 48 was found with serious injuries. Despite medical attention he was pronounced dead at the scene. Two men aged 25 and 43 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating and enquiries remain ongoing.”
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