Ex-girlfriend of paedophile Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins speaks out following death in prison
Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse which some readers may find distressing.
The ex-girlfriend of Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has spoken out following his death in prison.
Yesterday (11 October), the convicted paedophile, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex crimes, was killed at HMP Wakefield.
Two men, aged 25 and 43, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have been in police custody.
Advert
Watkins suffered a knife attack on Saturday morning, and when emergency services were sent to the West Yorkshire prison, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in HMP Wakefield.
“Officers were called by staff at the prison at 9.39am this morning to reports of a serious assault on a prisoner.
“A man aged 48 was found with serious injuries. Despite medical attention he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Two men aged 25 and 43 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody.
“Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating and inquiries remain ongoing.”
The Welsh rock star's ex-girlfriend Joanne Mjadzelics said she is surprised it 'took so long' for him to be killed.
Watkins, whose series of child sex offences included the attempted rape of a baby, was previously taken to hospital after being attacked in 2023.
Mjadzelics said in 2015 that her life had been 'completely destroyed' after she was acquitted of child abuse image offences during a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.
She told the jury she had encouraged the singer to send sex abuse images in order to expose his criminality.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, she said she now suffers from PTSD and self-harm from her relationship with Watkins.
"This is a big shock, but I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner. I was always waiting for this phone call," she admitted.
"He was walking around with a target on his back from the first day he entered the prison.
"I have always been scared of him getting out and tracking me down or something, so this is a relief.
"I wanted him dead for a long time after everything he did. I am relieved, I feel like a weight has been lifted from my head.
"This is the second time someone has slashed his throat. I expected it to have happened earlier. He's been in there for almost 13 years."
Mjadzelics said 'the man I fell in love with never existed' and that he 'manipulated' her in many ways.
She added: "The families of those poor victims will be rejoicing today.
"He's gone and they will be just as relieved as I am. Maybe now a new part of my life will begin."
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident at HMP Wakefield which took place this morning.
“We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, 10am-8pm Monday to Friday. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111, 24/7.
Anish Vij