Lostprophets singer and convicted paedophile Ian Watkins ‘stabbed’ in prison

**Content warning: Discussion of child sexual assault and rape.**

Lostprophets' Ian Watkins has been rushed to hospital after allegedly being attacked in prison.

The former lead vocalist of rock band Lostprophets was sentenced to 29 years in prison with six years on licence in 2013.

He was found guilty of multiple sex offences, after admitting to a series of crimes including the attempted rape of a fan's baby.

The 46-year-old is serving his sentence in HMP Wakefield where he was reportedly attacked yesterday (Saturday, 5 August) leading to him being rushed to hospital in a 'life-threatening condition'.

South Wales Police

Watkins pleaded guilty in December 2013 to 13 child sex offences, admitting to attempting to rape one of the children and planning to rape another, but pleaded not guilty to rape.

Upon sentencing the former lead singer, Mr Justice Royce reflected on there having been 'a large number of horrific cases' which the court has seen, but Watkins' case 'breaks new ground'.

The judge said: "You, Watkins, achieved fame and success as the lead singer of Lostprophets. You had many fawning fans. That gave you power. You knew you could use that power to induce young female fans to help satisfy your insatiable lust and take part in the sexual abuse of their own children."

In July 2014, Watkins' barrister tried to get his sentence reduced arguing by pleading guilty, the former lead singer 'averted the need for a most distressing and unpleasant trial'.

However, judges rejected Watkins' request to reduce his sentence. Wakins was also later found with a mobile phone in his cell in which led to an additional 10 months being added to his sentence.

Pier Marco Tacca / Contributor

Ten years down the line and a source told the Mirror Wakins was 'held hostage' by three other inmates and 'battered' on the morning of Saturday, 5 August at around 9:00am.

The source claims he suffered stab wounds and was found by prison officers around six hours later.

They continued: "He’s in a life-threatening condition and there are fears he could die.

"If he survives, he’ll have been very lucky."

Channel 5

A spokesperson for the prison service told the Mirror: "Police are investigating an incident which took place on Saturday at HMP Wakefield.

"We are unable to comment further while the police investigate."

LADbible has reached out to HMP Wakefield for comment.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivor’s Trust for free on 08088 010 818, or through their website thesurvivorstrust.org

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, 8am–10pm Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm weekends. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111