WEST YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND – The former lead singer of the alternative rock band Lostprophets, Ian Watkins, was reportedly non-fatally stabbed by a group of other inmates inside of a British prison earlier in August. Officials say Watkins, who is a convicted pedophile, was stabbed by the inmates while being held hostage during a six-hour standoff.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 5th at the HMP Wakefield prison, with authorities affording little information about the leadup to the incident. What has been shared thus far is that Watkins was taken hostage by three other inmates, leading to a standoff with correctional staff, where the inmates had beaten and stabbed the individual.
Watkins’ sustained injuries were described as non-life-threatening by Sky News, whereas The Mirror contradicted the report and claimed Watkins “could die” from the injuries sustained during the incident. Meanwhile, an HMP Wakefield spokesperson simply conveyed, “Police are investigating an incident which took place on Saturday at HMP Wakefield. We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.”
Back in 2013, Watkins was sentenced to 29 years in prison in relation to a myriad of sexual offenses, which included young victims and even an infant. Watkins’ sexual offenses were reported to South Wales Police as early as 2008, with the then-lead singer of Lostprophets having been seen inviting numerous underage fans into his dressing room while on tour.
Even one of Watkins’ ex-girlfriends contacted police in 2010 about unsettling pictures she’d discovered featuring Watkins and apparent minors.
However, after years of receiving criminal complaints, authorities arrested Watkins in June of 2012, two months after Lostprophets’ U.K. chart-topping record “Weapons” was released. Come December of 2013, Watkins was convicted and sentenced to 29 years in prison for his offenses.
In 2019, Watkins received an additional 10 months to his prison sentence after correctional staff found a cellphone in his possession. Watkins at the time claimed that the phone wasn’t his, but rather he was being forced to hold onto the phone by other inmates.
Gregory Hoyt is a former contributor to outlets such as Law Enforcement Today and Red Voice Media, and current host of The Breakdown with Greg Hoyt. Based out of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Hoyt is a staunch and outspoken advocate of law enforcement and first responders, while also harboring the unique experience of having spent nearly 5 years in prison. Since then, he's used his unique perspective to offer support and commentary about the criminal justice system. When not working or combating bad ideas, Hoyt also leisurely studies economics, history, and law.