Ian Watkins Killed in Prison; Ex-Girlfriend Speaks Out

Published: 13 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The former girlfriend of Ian Watkins, the disgraced Lostprophets singer convicted of multiple child sex offences, has broken her silence following his death in prison. Watkins, 48, was attacked at HMP Wakefield on Saturday morning, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for a string of horrific crimes, including the attempted rape of a baby. Two men have since been arrested on suspicion of murder as authorities investigate the incident.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Joanne Mjadzelics, who played a pivotal role in exposing Watkins’ criminal activity, described her complex and long-standing emotions in the wake of his death. “This is a big shock, but I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner. I was always waiting for this phone call,” she said. “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.”

Mjadzelics revealed that her experiences with Watkins left deep and lasting psychological scars. Since his incarceration in 2013, she has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-harming tendencies as a result of the trauma inflicted during their relationship. “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,” she said. She further recalled that this was not the first violent incident involving Watkins in prison. “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.”

Watkins’ history of violence inside the prison system was well documented. In 2023, he was held hostage by fellow inmates for several hours and sustained injuries that were ultimately non-life-threatening. Ms Mjadzelics suggested that his death might now allow her to move forward and begin a “new part of her life” free from the psychological burden of her past connection to him.

Reflecting on their prior attempts to hold Watkins accountable, Mjadzelics explained that she, along with another person, reported his activities to authorities on four separate occasions before he was arrested. These warnings were initially dismissed, highlighting the failures in early intervention that allowed his criminal conduct to continue unchecked. She described the man she once believed she loved as an illusion: “The man I fell in love with never existed. He manipulated me, and that man who died today in prison was a stranger to me. I never loved him; he just put on a character.”

Watkins’ criminal offences were shocking in their depravity. He was sentenced to 29 years in prison, with a further six years on licence, following his guilty pleas to a series of child sex crimes. His offences included sexual abuse, attempted rape of a baby, and the possession of indecent images. His arrest in September 2012 followed the execution of a drugs warrant at his home in Pontypridd, during which authorities seized a large number of computers, mobile phones, and storage devices. Subsequent analysis of this material uncovered the full extent of his disturbing and depraved behaviour.

In 2014, the Court of Appeal rejected Watkins’ bid to appeal the length of his sentence, citing the “shocking depravity” of his crimes. At the time, legal authorities emphasised that the severity of his offences, combined with the impact on the victims, justified the lengthy custodial term. Watkins’ sentence was one of the longest ever imposed for sexual offences against children in the UK, reflecting the particularly heinous nature of his actions.

His death in HMP Wakefield marks one of the most high-profile inmate killings in recent memory, sparking renewed discussion about prison security and the safety of offenders serving sentences for particularly sensitive crimes. The circumstances of his murder have prompted an immediate and thorough investigation by West Yorkshire Police. A spokesperson confirmed that detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are leading the inquiry, and that two men, aged 25 and 43, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in custody.

“Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in HMP Wakefield,” said the police spokesperson. “Officers were called by staff at the prison at 9.39 am 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. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating and enquiries remain ongoing.”

HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison in West Yorkshire, is home to some of the most dangerous and high-profile offenders in the UK. It has a history of violent incidents and strict management protocols designed to prevent inmate-on-inmate attacks, particularly involving prisoners convicted of sexual offences against children. Nevertheless, the assault on Watkins highlights the ongoing risks faced by both inmates and staff in such facilities.

The reaction from survivors and victims’ families has been mixed. For some, the news brings a sense of closure or relief, particularly for those directly impacted by Watkins’ crimes. Ms Mjadzelics’ statements, for example, reflect a complex mix of shock, vindication, and the potential for emotional release after years of living with trauma. Other advocates for prison reform, however, have stressed that prison violence is a systemic issue that should be addressed through improved monitoring, segregation policies, and mental health support for inmates.

Psychologists have highlighted the profound psychological effects that relationships with individuals like Watkins can have on survivors, often leaving them with long-term trauma, anxiety, and difficulties in trusting others. Ms Mjadzelics’ account of PTSD and self-harm underscores the lasting impact of his abuse, reinforcing the importance of victim support services and early intervention in cases involving sexual offenders.

The case also raises questions about the treatment and security of high-risk offenders in the UK prison system. Watkins’ prior hostage situation in 2023 demonstrated the potential for harm within prison walls, and his recent murder further illustrates the dangers inherent in housing individuals convicted of sexual offences alongside other high-risk prisoners. Authorities may now face calls to review security arrangements, particularly for those who are widely known and have attracted significant public attention.

From a broader societal perspective, Watkins’ life and crimes serve as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of predatory behaviour, the failures of early reporting mechanisms, and the challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice. His death, while shocking, also opens up conversations about rehabilitation, accountability, and the responsibility of correctional facilities to protect both the public and inmates.

In conclusion, Ian Watkins’ murder at HMP Wakefield has elicited strong reactions from his former partner, survivors, and the wider public. Joanne Mjadzelics, who played a key role in exposing his crimes, has described a mix of shock and relief at the news, noting that she had long feared his release and continued potential threat. The circumstances surrounding his death, coupled with the history of prior attacks in prison, underscore the complexities and dangers within high-security facilities. Meanwhile, the police investigation continues, with two arrests made and enquiries ongoing into the violent assault that claimed the life of one of the UK’s most notorious convicted offenders.