Joanne Mjadzelics, the former girlfriend of Ian Watkins, says she feels a sense of relief after learning the disgraced Lostprophets singer was fatally stabbed in prison. Watkins, 48, was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offenses when he was attacked at HMP Wakefield on October 11.
“This is a big shock, but I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner,” Mjadzelics told Daily Mail. “I was always waiting for this phone call.”
According to reports, Watkins suffered a fatal neck wound after inmates were released from their cells that morning. He died from blood loss at the scene. West Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of two men, aged 25 and 43, on suspicion of murder.
“Officers were called by staff at the prison at 9.39am this morning (October 11) to reports of a serious assault on a prisoner,” police said. “A man aged 48 was found with serious injuries. Despite medical attention he was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Mjadzelics, who previously testified against Watkins and has spoken openly about the trauma she endured during their relationship, said she had long feared his release.
“I have always been scared of him getting out and tracking me down or something, so this is a relief,” she said. “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 also noted that this was not the first time Watkins had been attacked in prison. In 2023, he was reportedly taken hostage and stabbed by fellow inmates, though he survived that incident.
“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 was convicted in 2013 of 13 child sex offenses, including attempted rape and conspiracy to rape a child. The investigation began with drug charges, which led police to uncover disturbing material on his computer. His crimes shocked fans and led to the immediate dissolution of Lostprophets. The remaining members later formed a new band, No Devotion.
Writer and extreme metal devotee, Ialdagorth has spent over a decade covering the darkest corners of heavy music. A black metal lifer, he spends his free time wandering the Carpathian Mountains, likely humming blast beats to the trees.
