Ian Watkins

Born

1977-07-30

Died

2025-10-11

Birthplace

Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales, UK

Biography

Ian David Karslake Watkins (30 July 1977 – 11 October 2025) was a Welsh singer and child sex offender who was the lead singer and frontman of the rock band Lostprophets. His career ended after he was sentenced to 29 years' imprisonment in 2013 for multiple sex offences, including the sexual assault of young children and infants, and the possession of child and animal sexual abuse material, a sentence later increased by ten months for having a mobile phone in prison. His bandmates disbanded Lostprophets shortly before his trial and formed No Devotion with American singer Geoff Rickly. Watkins died on 11 October 2025 after being attacked while incarcerated at HM Prison Wakefield. The incident is under investigation by West Yorkshire Police, and two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder.