Disgraced Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins died from a stab wound to the neck following an alleged attack at HMP Wakefield, an inquest has heard.
Watkins, 48, was pronounced dead at the West Yorkshire prison on 11th October, where he had been serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences. An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Wakefield Coroner’s Court on Friday.
Coroner Oliver Longstaff told the hearing that paramedics were called to the prison following a report Watkins had been stabbed in the neck. The former rock singer was formally identified by a prison officer after an attending doctor confirmed his death.
Mr Longstaff stated that a post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as an incision to the neck. He confirmed that other prisoners had been charged with murder and the coroner’s investigation would be suspended pending the outcome of the criminal justice process.
Inmates Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have been charged with murdering Watkins. The two men appeared in court last week but were not asked to enter pleas at the preliminary hearing.
Judge Guy Kearl, the Recorder of Leeds, set a provisional trial date of 5th May, with proceedings expected to last two to three weeks. The men remain in custody awaiting trial.
Earlier this week, West Yorkshire Police revealed that two additional men from the prison had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. The suspects, aged 23 and 39, were bailed and returned to prison whilst inquiries continue.
HMP Wakefield, known as Monster Mansion due to housing some of Britain’s most dangerous criminals, has a capacity of around 750 inmates. The Category A high-security prison holds male prisoners convicted of the most serious offences.
Watkins was jailed for 29 years in December 2013 with a further six years on licence after admitting a string of child sex offences that shocked the nation. His crimes included the attempted rape of a baby, a case that caused revulsion across Britain.
The singer was arrested following the execution of a drugs warrant at his Pontypriod home in September 2012. Officers seized a large number of computers, mobile phones and storage devices during the raid.
Analysis of the seized equipment uncovered his depraved behaviour, revealing a catalogue of abuse that led to his prosecution. The evidence demonstrated a pattern of systematic offending against children.
Watkins had previously been taken to hospital after being attacked in 2023. At the time, police said his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, though details of that incident were not made public.
In 2019, he received an additional 10-month sentence on top of his existing term after being found guilty of possessing a mobile phone in prison. The conviction highlighted ongoing concerns about contraband within the prison system.
Lostprophets enjoyed considerable commercial success during the 2000s, selling millions of albums worldwide and achieving mainstream recognition. The Welsh rock band’s career ended abruptly following Watkins’ arrest and subsequent conviction.
Former band members expressed their horror and disgust upon learning of Watkins’ crimes, stating they had been unaware of his activities. The group disbanded following his conviction.
Prisoners convicted of child sex offences typically face hostility from other inmates, with attacks on such offenders remaining common within the prison system. Category A facilities employ special measures to protect vulnerable prisoners, though incidents still occur.
Prison authorities face ongoing challenges balancing security requirements with the safety of all inmates, including those serving sentences for offences that provoke particular animosity amongst the wider prison population.
The investigation into Watkins’ death continues as prosecutors prepare their case against the two men charged with his murder. The additional conspiracy arrests suggest authorities are examining whether others played a role in planning or facilitating the fatal attack.
West Yorkshire Police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, citing the ongoing criminal investigation and forthcoming trial proceedings.
The case will return to court ahead of the provisional May trial date, when defendants are expected to enter formal pleas. Evidence from prison staff, inmates and forensic specialists will likely feature prominently in proceedings.
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