Ian Watkins, the former lead singer of Lostprophets, reportedly rediscovered his passion for music while in prison before his death. The disgraced rock star, who was serving a 35-year sentence for child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby, died in prison earlier this year.
According to sources, Watkins began writing songs and playing guitar again during his incarceration, a stark contrast to his earlier behaviour. At his sentencing in 2013, the court heard how he had told a female fan from prison that his crimes were 'mega lolz' and that he did not know 'what everybody is getting so freaked out about'.
Watkins was jailed for 29 years, with an additional six years on licence, after admitting 13 charges including attempted rape of a baby. The judge, Mr Justice Royce, described the case as 'breaking new ground' in its horror. Two women, mothers of children he abused, were also sentenced to 14 and 17 years respectively.
During the trial, it emerged that Watkins had possessed 90 images of child abuse, 24 of which were in the most serious category, as well as 22 images of bestiality. His barrister argued that his offending was driven by the pressures of fame and drug addiction.
Police had urged other victims to come forward, saying they believed there were more victims both in the UK and abroad, including in the US and Germany. Watkins's former bandmates also appealed for information.
