Cause of Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins’ Wakefield prison death outlined at inquest

Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins died after being stabbed in the neck in an alleged prison attack, an inquest heard.

Watkins, 48, died on October 11 after being attacked at HMP Wakefield, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences.

The inquest, which had previously started at Wakefield Coroner’s Court, was adjourned until the relevant murder trial was completed.

Two men have been charged with murder in connection with Watkins’ death, while two other men, aged 23 and 39, who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder earlier this week, have been returned to prison while investigations continue.

Coroner Oliver Longstaff said Watkins, whose full name was Ian David Karslake Watkins during the brief hearing, was declared dead by a doctor at the West Yorkshire prison and was formally identified by a prison officer.

Mr Longstaff said paramedics were called to the prison “following reports of a stab wound in the neck”.

The autopsy report showed the cause of death was a cut to the neck, the coroner said.

The Welsh singer pleaded guilty in 2013 to 13 counts of sexual assault against children, including the attempted rape of a baby.

Prosecutors described him as a man corrupted by fame, drugs and power who committed “unimaginable” crimes.

He was previously stabbed in prison in 2023 and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, appeared in court last week accused of murder but were not asked to enter a plea.