Ian Watkins (Lostprophets)

Ian Watkins
Watkins performing with Lostprophets in 2007
Born	Ian David Karslake Watkins (1977-07-30) 30 July 1977 (age 39) Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Other names	L'Amour La Morgue
Criminal charge	Attempted rape of a child under 13 Sexual assault of a child under 13 Taking, making, or possessing indecent images of children Possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a sex act on an animal
Criminal penalty	29 years imprisonment plus 6 years on extended licence
Criminal status	Incarcerated at HM Prison Long Lartin as of 2014
Musical career
Genres	Emo hard rock post-grunge alternative rock alternative metal nu metal
Occupation(s)	Singer musician
Instruments	Vocals drums
Years active	1995–2012
Labels	Epic Fearless Visible Noise
Associated acts	Lostprophets Public Disturbance The Blackout

Ian David Karslake Watkins (born 30 July 1977) is a Welsh singer, musician, and convicted sex offender. He achieved prominence as a founding member, lead vocalist, and lyricist of the rock band Lostprophets. Lostprophets disbanded in 2013 after Watkins was charged with sexual offences in late 2012. In November 2013, he pleaded guilty to 13 charges, including the attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under 13; these offences were committed against the infant children of two women who were also convicted. He is currently in HM Prison Long Lartin serving 29 years in jail.

Watkins was born in Merthyr Tydfil, and later moved to Pontypridd, where he attended Hawthorn High School with future bandmate Mike Lewis. He completed a degree in graphic design from the University of Wales, Newport, graduating with first-class honours.

Lewis' and Watkins' mutual enjoyment of rock and metal music strengthened their friendship, leading them, as teenagers in 1991, to form a group called Aftermath, a thrash metal band that played in a shed in Watkins' garden. Whilst spending time in the local Ynysangharad Park, where (17 years later) Lostprophets would headline the Full Ponty festival, Watkins was introduced to future band mate Lee Gaze through a mutual friend. Having abandoned Aftermath, which made two live appearances in its lifespan of two years, Watkins and Gaze decided to form a new band called Fleshbind, based on their American hardcore punk influences. The band played several shows, including one supporting Feeder in London, but the group was short-lived.