Joe Yates
Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse which some readers may find distressing.
Disgraced rockstar Ian Watkins, the frontman of a band that shared the stage with metal giants Metallica and Slipknot, has died following an attack behind bars.
A murder investigation has been launched following the convicted pedophile's death on Saturday (October 11) at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire - a county in northern England - where he was serving a 35-year prison sentence.
The 48-year-old, who rose to fame as the lead singer of Lostprophets, was convicted at the age of 36 of 13 sexual offences in 2013 - these included the attempted rape of a baby, multiple sexual assaults involving children, and possession of indecent and extreme pornographic images.
Watkins’ crimes were described in court as 'plunging into new depths of depravity'.
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During sentencing, Justice Royce told him: "Those who have appeared in these courts over many years see here a large number of horrific cases. This case breaks new ground. Any decent person... will experience shock, revulsion and incredulity."
The judge also branded him a 'corrupting influence' and noted his 'complete lack of remorse'.
It isn't the first time the Welsh singer has come under attack in prison. Just two years ago, Watkins was brutally assaulted and taken hostage by three other inmates, who left him hospitalized.
However, this time Watkins - who opened for Metallica with Lostprophets during the European leg of the Madly in Anger with the World Tour in June 2004, with Slipknot also sharing the stage - did not make it, despite West Yorkshire Police confirming that attempts were made to save him.
"Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in HMP Wakefield," the force said in a statement.
"Officers were called by staff at the prison at 9.39am this morning (Saturday October 11) 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 enquiries remain ongoing."
Before his fall from grace, Watkins’ band achieved international success, selling millions of records throughout the 2000s.
The remaining members distanced themselves from him entirely, later forming a new group called No Devotion with American singer Geoff Rickly.
A spokesperson for the Prison Service told LADbible Group that they could not comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues or want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives calls from throughout the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico.