Ian Watkins, former frontman of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets, has died following a stabbing in HMP Frankland prison, the Ministry of Justice confirmed today, September 10, 2023. He was 47 years old.
watkins was serving a 29-year sentence for attempting to procure a child for sexual purposes and possessing extreme pornography. His conviction in 2013 ended the career of a musician who once headlined festivals and achieved mainstream success. The incident at HMP Frankland, a high-security prison in Durham, is under investigation, with a Ministry of Justice spokesperson stating that a prisoner was found seriously injured and pronounced dead at the scene. Initial reports indicate Watkins was attacked by another inmate with a makeshift weapon.
The case surrounding Watkins sparked widespread revulsion and prompted a national conversation about online child exploitation. He pleaded guilty to multiple offenses after a lengthy investigation revealed his attempts to engage in online grooming and his possession of disturbing imagery. The Lostprophets were a prominent force in the early 2000s nu-metal scene, achieving platinum album status with their 2004 record Liberation Transmission.Following Watkins’ arrest and subsequent conviction, the band was effectively dissolved.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We are investigating an incident at HMP Frankland where a prisoner was seriously injured and has died. Police have been notified and will be investigating.” Durham Police confirmed they were called to the prison at 10:12 AM on September 10, 2023, following reports of a serious assault.
For anyone affected by sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.