Lostprophets lead singer Ian Watkins, who is serving a 29-year sentence for child sex crimes, was reportedly stabbed at a U.K. prison last week.
According to the BBC, Watkins, 46, was hospitalized for minor injuries stemming from the attack at HMP Wakefield on August 5. Regarding last week’s incident, sources told The Mirror that three prisoners took Watkins hostage.
“He was known to have hangers-on who asked him about music and being a rock star. He even gave some of them guitar lessons – which made other inmates in there angry so they wanted revenge,” the source commented.
Meanwhile, a source told The Sun that the three attackers had barricaded themselves and Watkins in a cell — where they remained until guards used flash bangs to subdue them.
The source suggested that the assailants planned the attack for the weekend as there was less staff.
“Watkins is obviously unpopular because of who he is – and has been walking around with a huge target on his back,” they told The Sun.
A 2012 drug raid led to the recovery of computers and other devices from Watkins’ home. The following year, Watkins was sentenced to prison for attempting to rape a fan’s baby, child sexual assault, and possessing an image depicting bestiality. The two mothers of the victims, who apparently facilitated the sexual abuse, received sentences of 14 and 17 years.
West Yorkshire police said last week’s incident remains under investigation.
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[Featured image: Ian Watkins/South Wales police]
