A former member of the band Lostprophets, known for its lead singer Ian Watkins, gave a disturbing caution about the convicted sex offender shortly before his criminal acts were uncovered. Watkins, who passed away at Wakefield Prison following an alleged stabbing by two inmates, was serving a 29-year prison sentence for various sexual offenses since his conviction in 2013.
Journalist Ian Winwood recounted a troubling warning from guitarist Mike Lewis, a part of the successful Welsh band co-founded by Watkins and guitarist Lee Gaze. In a piece for the Daily Telegraph, Winwood detailed a conversation with Lewis before Watkins’ arrest in 2012, where Lewis advised staying away from Watkins, as he believed Watkins had embraced darkness.
Apart from his criminal acts, Watkins had developed a drug addiction to cocaine and methamphetamine in the mid-2000s, causing tension within the band. Music journalist Gavin Allen, who toured with Lostprophets during their rise to fame, noted Watkins’ increasing isolation from the band around 2007, which seemed like a deliberate effort to conceal his true nature.
Following Watkins’ conviction, Lostprophets disbanded, and the remaining members formed the band No Devotion. At the time of his demise, Watkins, aged 48 and from Pontypridd, was imprisoned at ‘Monster Mansion’ jail for his heinous crimes, alongside other notorious inmates.
During Watkins’ sentencing, the Honorable Mr. Justice Royce expressed concerns about the depths of depravity reached in the case, stating it was impossible to predict the extent of Watkins’ actions had he not been apprehended. Watkins had admitted to various charges, including attempted rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, and possession of indecent images.
After Watkins’ death, his former girlfriend Joanne Mjadzelics expressed a mix of shock and relief, mentioning her long-standing fear of his potential release and retribution. She described Watkins as a skilled manipulator who hid his true self behind a facade, deceiving many, including her.
Two inmates, Rashid Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth, have been charged with Watkins’ murder, with a trial date set for May 5, 2026, as per the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC.