Pedophile ex-Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins remains in hospital as police confirm his injuries are NOT life-threatening after being stabbed in the neck by inmates
The injuries sustained by ailing pedophile and former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins when he was held hostage by three other inmates for six hours and stabbed in the neck are NOT life-threatening, police have confirmed.
Watkins, 46, was described as ‘screaming’ for his life at HMP Wakefield during the protracted attack and was only rescued when an armed ‘Tornado’ team of specially trained riot police officers cleared the hostage situation, The Sun reported.
It was reported that paramedics outside the prison could be seen giving life-saving treatment to the ex-rocker.
Now West Yorkshire Police have confirmed his condition is not life-threatening.
A police spokesman said: ‘West Yorkshire Police were informed by HMP Wakefield personnel of an attack on a prisoner on Saturday afternoon 5 August.
“He was taken to hospital where his injuries are not considered life-threatening. Investigations are underway.’
Sources claim Watkins has a ‘target on his back’ in prison and was attacked on Saturday as the inmates were waiting for a day with less staff.
Officers threw stun grenades into the cell to free Watkins from the other prisoners after they stormed the wing.
Former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins was allegedly stabbed in the neck by three inmates
Watkins claimed at his trial that he did not remember any of the offenses as he was using a large amount of crystal meth at the time
Lostprophets members (from left) Lee Gaze, Stuart Richardson, Mike Lewis, Ian Watkins and Luke Johnson
The ex-rocker was sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 for 13 offenses against children, including the attempted rape of an 11-month-old baby.
A source told The sun Watkins, who is serving 29 years in prison and a further six probation, was attacked by three ‘heavy’ inmates and dragged into a cell which was then barricaded by the gang.
They described the pedophile as “screaming” and fearing for his life as he was taken away, with the entire West Yorkshire prison wing quickly sealed off.
The attack, which began around 9 a.m. Saturday, lasted six hours until Watkins could be freed.
The source added: ‘Clearly Watkins isn’t popular for who he is – and walks around with a huge target on his back.
“They got it on a Saturday, which is generally quieter with less staff and it seems to be planned.
“People heard he was in bad shape when he came out, but he will probably survive.
“He was taken to Leeds and was still in hospital.”
Another source told The mirror Watkins was ‘battered’ before being stabbed and paramedics were seen giving life-saving treatment outside the prison.
A prison service spokesperson said: ‘Police are investigating an incident that took place at HMP Wakefield on Saturday. We cannot comment further while the police investigate.’
Watkins was sentenced to 35 years behind bars after admitting to a heinous string of crimes, including the attempted rape of an 11-month-old baby, plus 10 others after preying on fans.
He also admitted conspiring to rape a child, three counts of sexual assault involving children, seven counts of taking, making or possessing indecent images of children and one of possessing an extremely pornographic image of a sexual act with an animal.
He changed his plea early in his trial, but claimed he couldn’t remember the “depraved” abuse because he was high on crystal meth.
At trial, Watkins claimed he couldn’t remember the “depraved” abuse he committed because he was high on crystal meth
In a jail cell at HMP Wakefield where Watkins has been sentenced to 29 years behind bars. Three inmates reportedly held him hostage for six hours (photo, stock image)
Watkins was sentenced to 35 years behind bars after admitting to a heinous series of crimes, including the attempted rape of an 11-month-old baby.
The attack took place at HMP Wakefield (photo, stock image). West Yorkshire Police said the investigation is ongoing
A source described the moment when Watkins was held hostage in prison (pictured, stock image), saying the pedophile was ‘screaming’ and ‘fearing for his life’
Since the 35-year term was handed down, he has received an additional 10 months in prison for possession of a mobile phone.
At a hearing for that crime, he recounted how he was locked up with “the worst of the worst” and said someone could “sneak up behind me and slit my throat.”
The singer – a former boyfriend of BBC radio and television presenter Fearne Cotton – pleaded guilty to sex offenses involving the children of two female fans, who were sentenced to 14 and 17 years in prison for allowing the offence.
Prosecutor QC Chris Clee told Cardiff Crown Court in 2013: ‘Ian Watkins was the lead singer of a successful band called the Lostprophets.
“He was also a determined and committed pedophile who engaged in serious sex crimes involving two infants.”
Mr Clee also gave details of a sickening 17 minute video featuring Watkins and one of the babies’ mothers.
He said that camcorder footage had been made in a London hotel room showing Watkins performing a sexual act on the child.
Judge Royce, who sentenced Watkins, said the case took “new directions” and his actions “plunged into new depths of depravity.”
Lostprophets entered the rock scene in 2000 with their debut album TheFakeSoundofProgress. A major label deal soon followed and the band’s second album, Start Something, became a commercial success both at home in the UK and the US in 2002.
However, cracks soon began to appear in Watkins’ life – with rumors that he was a sex-crazed drug addict who regularly engaged in shady online sex chats with young fans.
He has also previously faced multiple allegations of inappropriate messages and sex with underage girls.
Watkins initially denied his sickening crimes, claiming he was tricked into looking like a pedophile after police found incriminating footage.