Ian Watkins, the former musician convicted of heinous crimes, may have been assaulted in prison due to his refusal to pay for protection, sources claim. Watkins, aged 48, was fatally attacked at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire. He was discovered severely injured in his cell, and despite efforts by staff, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to reports, the attack on Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for multiple sexual offenses, occurred shortly after he was unlocked from his cell. The assailants allegedly demanded payment for protection, which Watkins had previously refused to provide. Detectives have apprehended two inmates, aged 43 and 25, in connection with the brutal incident.
The violence targeting Watkins comes amidst growing concerns over the treatment of sex offenders at HMP Wakefield. Recent reports highlighted a surge in violence on the wing where Watkins was housed, with older inmates, especially those convicted of sexual offenses, feeling increasingly vulnerable.
Jo Mjadzelics, the whistleblower who exposed Watkins’ criminal activities involving children, expressed no sympathy for his demise. She had repeatedly informed authorities about Watkins’ predatory behavior, starting in 2008, but her warnings were disregarded until years later. Despite the tragic outcome, she revealed her shock at the delayed justice for the victims of Watkins’ abuses.
Watkins, known for his music career with the band Lostprophets, faced a long-overdue fate for his despicable crimes. His former girlfriend, Jo, lamented the protection he had seemingly received for years, expressing relief that justice had finally caught up with him.