Warning: This article contains discussion of child sex abuse which some readers may find distressing
The wife of former Lostprophets guitarist Lee Gaze has spoken out following the death of convicted pedophile Ian Watkins.
Watkins died from inside his own cell at HMP Wakefield on Saturday morning (September 11), with it being reported that his throat was slashed after inmates were released from their cells.
Despite efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Two men, Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have both been charged with Watkins' murder.
The former Lostprophets band member was jailed back in 2013 for a number of child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby.
Graze's wife, Syirin Said, has spoken out following events of recent days, saying everything going on has brought back 'a lot of emotions and experiences'.
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Taking to TikTok, Said quipped: "I can't believe I'm saying and posting this. It's been over a decade and I haven't said a word until now. But seeing Lostprophets posts by people with zero context, zero empathy, - not to the victims, the band members, their families, including mine, makes me speak up.
"I am not speaking on behalf of my husband or the band members. I am speaking on behalf of me, my family, my kids, and our truths."
Said added: "For decades my husband poured his heart and soul into writing epic songs, loved by their fans. His band touched so many lives positively when you think about Last Train Home, Rooftop, Burn Burn."
Graze's partner went on to say the band were unaware of Watkins' crimes.
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"Our family had to rebuild from nothing, no support. These posts with no heart, no mention of the victims still healing or families like ours still hurting, trying to get by, it's like we're invisible again. This isn't a trend. It's our life," she added.
After Watkins was murdered, it's claimed the prison erupted into celebration according to a partner of one serving prisoner.
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They told the Daily Mail: "He said that there was cheering when word spread that Watkins had been killed. All of the prisoners were locked in their cells, but word spread quickly. He was hated because his crimes were so sick."
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.
Callum Jones