A former inmate who shared a prison with Ian Watkins, the disgraced Lostprophets frontman, revealed how everyone inside knew about Watkins’ horrific crimes, making him regarded as a “dead man walking.” Watkins, who was convicted of terrible child sex offenses including attempting to rape a baby, died after being attacked inside his own cell at HMP Wakefield in northern England on October 11, 2025.
The 48-year-old was reportedly killed when fellow inmates slashed his throat after being unlocked from their cells. Despite quick efforts from responders, Watkins was declared dead at the scene due to severe blood loss. HMP Wakefield is a maximum-security prison known for housing some of the country’s most violent criminals, including many sex offenders.
One prison officer explained under anonymity that the prison contains offenders ranging from date rapists to notorious child abusers, mixed with murderers and gangsters, creating a dangerous environment. However, Watkins’ crimes were uniquely known by all inmates, unlike most offenders whose crimes typically remain undisclosed.
A former prisoner told The Mirror that it was an unwritten rule not to ask others what they had done, but everyone knew of Watkins’ appalling acts. Watkins had been attacked before and suffered daily abuse from other inmates. He was described as isolated, self-centred, and without friends, spending most of his time alone in his room.
Watkins died halfway through his 35-year sentence for various child sexual offences. Two men, Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have been charged with his murder. Reports said the prison erupted in celebration after news of Watkins’ death spread, reflecting the widespread hatred inmates had for him due to his crimes.
