By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In 2023, the Welsh rock star was previously stabbed at the prison, though his injuries were not considered life-threatening. Reports at the time indicated that the musician had been taken hostage by three fellow inmates. The events of the stabbing were widely reported in the news.
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Former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins dead after being attacked in Wakefield prison, a sentence I can’t help but feel a complex mix of emotions about, mostly stemming from the sheer depravity of his crimes. The immediate reaction is, admittedly, a sense of finality, a feeling that justice, albeit delivered in a brutal and unconventional way, has been served. There’s an undeniable relief that this individual, whose actions were so horrific, is no longer a threat to anyone. The details of his crimes are, and will always be, deeply disturbing. I won’t go into those details here, as they are incredibly graphic and upsetting, but the nature of those crimes underscores the magnitude of the evil involved.
It seems almost unbelievable that the news is just now surfacing after 12 years since his trial. The length of time between his crimes and the eventual reckoning in prison seems to highlight the duration of his sentence. His presence behind bars was likely a constant reminder of the heinous acts he committed. It’s a stark reminder of the lasting impact of his actions and how that affected not just those he harmed, but also those who were impacted by his notoriety.
There’s a general sentiment, and it’s not surprising, that this event provides a sense of closure for many. This is not to say anyone is condoning the violence, but rather, there is a sense of justice achieved, regardless of the means. This outcome brings, for some, a sense of finality. His passing removes him from the equation, erasing the possibility of re-offending and giving a final end to the story that he started.
Many of the sentiments are direct and unfiltered, describing him as a “monster” and a “piece of shit,” reflecting the depth of the disgust and anger that his crimes elicited. These words encapsulate the feelings that many held. There’s an almost collective sigh of relief, and that the news has come as a welcomed surprise for many.
The news highlights the difficult nature of prison life. The incident underscores the complex realities of incarceration and the environment inside. It also serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of such heinous actions, and the ripple effect that his crimes had on so many lives.
The fact that he was previously stabbed in 2023 suggests that his life in prison was not easy, and that he faced constant animosity from his fellow inmates. One can only imagine the torment that awaited him and the feeling of justice that came for the perpetrator, the man he became to the world, and the crimes he committed.
There’s also a sense of a long, painful journey, not just for the victims of his crimes, but for all those who were touched by his fall from grace. The destruction of the Lostprophets’ legacy, from the outside, is another tragic outcome of his actions, although a secondary one. The memory of the band and the music, for many, has been forever stained by the events.
Many people acknowledge that they are not generally in favor of vigilante justice, yet in this instance, they are making an exception. This is a testament to the sheer abhorrence of the crimes committed and a reflection of the feeling that the punishment, in some ways, fits the crime. There is an understanding that someone whose crimes were so evil might not be worthy of basic human decency.
There’s the hope that the remaining members of the Steps are finally able to move on with their lives. It’s hoped that this will be the end of the story. The news that the man is dead is a finality to the horrible chapter of the singer’s life. The sentiment echoes that the world is a better place without him.
While it’s not appropriate to celebrate the death of anyone, the circumstances surrounding Watkins’ death are exceptional, the sense of an ending is what many share. The expressions of relief and a sense of final justice are understandable. This incident, while tragic in a broader sense, ultimately offers a strange form of satisfaction.