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How Swedish gangs are spilling blood in Spain hols hotspot and using child assassins to ‘order rival murders like pizza’
AS tourists sip cocktails in Spain’s picturesque coastal towns, hitmen as young as 17 are being flown in to unleash blood-soaked mayhem.
Violent Swedish gangs are flocking to sunny European hotspots for deadly working holidays to soak up the sun and sea – while carrying out brutal executions in broad daylight.
Gangsters from Nordic countries, as well as Britain and Turkey, are increasingly basing themselves on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, creating a volatile “criminal ecosystem”.
Teen hitmen as young as 15 are being flown in to carry out assassinations, as crime bosses take advantage of their rivals, “letting their guard down” while enjoying the Spanish sun.
Cops revealed that one 15-year-old Swedish national living in Alicante was “ordering murderers like someone orders a pizza” – luring other teenagers into brutal executions using aliases on Telegram and Signal.
It comes after Hamza Karimi, 25, was gunned down in front of shocked holidaymakers while enjoying some downtime in Marbella’s Puerto Banus earlier this month.
The Swedish “gangsta rap” artist, who went by the name Hamko, was talking on his phone outside a cafe when a suspected hitman calmly walked up to him and pulled out a gun.
The shooter, a 38-year-old Afghan-born Swede, fired up to a dozen rounds, with CCTV footage showing Karimi rolling on the floor in a bid to dodge the bullets.
He was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries.
His death is just the latest in a string of brazen gangland murders this year.
Marilo Valencia, spokeswoman for the Reformist Police Union, said this week: “Many of the gangsters come here, some to work, others simply to enjoy themselves.
“But when their enemies lower their guard, when they relax, the hitmen strike.”
Valencia branded it a “criminal ecosystem”, where each network has a role, be it transport, logistics or recruitment.
“They complement each other,” she said.
“They’re part of an ecosystem of crime.”
However, she warned that police resources are not keeping up with the growing criminal activity.
“The criminals know our situation,” she added.
“They know we don’t clock off. We’re police officers 24 hours a day. But we need more manpower; the pressure never stops.”
The hitmen don’t live here. They arrive, carry out the job, and disappear
Police source
Another investigator said: “They live peacefully, even cordially, as long as no one tries to take over another’s business.
“They move in the same circles, the same bars. They’re drawn together like magnets.”
“Irishmen go to Irish bars, Scandinavians to theirs – they feel untouchable,” a third source said.
“The hitmen don’t live here. They arrive, carry out the job, and disappear.”
Settling old scores
Police sources believe Hamko’s killing may be linked to infighting between rival Swedish gangs now operating in Spain.
The groups are believed to be bringing over their business models and vendettas from Stockholm, and are finding the Costa del Sol is the perfect place for both leisure and business.
“These aren’t local feuds,” said one officer.
“They come for a few days, relax… and use that time to settle old scores. It’s the only moment their enemies let their guard down.
“The wars may start abroad, but the executions happen here.”
Sweden has been gripped by gang violence for years, and in 2023 recorded one of the highest numbers of gun deaths in Europe.
Rawa Majid, a Swedish-Kurdish crime boss better known as The Kurdish Fox, leads the feared Foxtrot Network from his base in Turkey.
The wars may start abroad, but the executions happen here
Police officer
Foxtrot are said to be expert drug traffickers and money launderers and are brutal when it comes to enforcement.
Among Majid’s most trusted associates was Ismail Abdo, until he split from Foxtrot and set up his own clan, called Rumba, in 2023.
That same year, his mother was murdered in her home in Uppsala, Sweden, in a hit that cops believe was ordered by Foxtrot.
The killing sparked a cycle of tit-for-tat shootings and bombings that have killed dozens, including innocent bystanders, one being a 12-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet that was intended for two other gang members.
The rivalry continues to this day and is behind acts of serious violence between Swedish clans both at home and abroad.
The assassination of Karimi, in Marbella, topped off one of the bloodiest summers on Spain’s costas for years.
In April, a British 32-year-old with links to organised crime was assassinated in broad daylight while walking home from a football match in nearby Mijas.
He ordered murderers like someone orders a pizza
Police officer
Two months later, in June, two Scottish mob bosses were assassinated at an Irish pub in the neighbouring town of Fuengirola, reportedly as part of an ongoing drugs war in Glasgow.
Ross Monaghan, 43, and Eddie Lyons Jr, 46, were gunned down after they’d watched the Champions League final at Monaghan’s bar.
The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca also became a battleground for two of Turkey’s most feared drug factions – the Daltons and Caspers.
At around 7pm on Sunday, August 3, Caner Kocer was approached by three men on Pedro Lorca Street in Torrevieja, a resort on the Costa Blanca that is hugely popular with Brits.
The 30-year-old, reportedly a leader of the Daltons, was shot six times, killing him instantly.
Child assassins
Weeks later, an alleged teenage hitman and his accomplice were arrested in Fuengirola for planning to carry out an assassination.
A coordinated operation between Spanish police, Europol and Swedish authorities prevented the hit, leading to the arrest of six suspects linked to a violent Nordic criminal network.
Two of the detainees – one of them a minor – had flown in from Gothenburg, Sweden, on June 29, allegedly contracted over social media to carry out a killing.
In 2024, a 17-year-old male was also sent from Sweden to Benalmadena with instructions to kill, staying in local hotels and using a scooter to scope out a target associated with a motorcycle gang.
His arrest, moments before being handed a weapon by his two Swedish colleagues, led to the dismantling of an organisation dedicated to recruiting minors to commit murders.
Incredibly, the group was run by a Swedish national who had just turned 15 and lived in Alicante, just over 300miles away.
He used Telegram and Signal under aliases such as Donald Trump, The Recruiter, and Ms Evelina.
“He was the f*****g boss,” a police officer told El País.
“He ordered murderers like someone orders a pizza.”
The Costa del Sol has often been dubbed the “United Nations of crime” because more than 100 mafia groups are known to have a presence there.
The area is a hotbed for mafiosos due to its strategic location as the main entry point for both marijuana from North Africa and cocaine from South America.
It is also easy to go undetected, with fugitives able to blend into the large expat population.
Speaking earlier this year, Pedro Agudo, head of the Judicial Police Brigade in Malaga, explained: “Even the bad guys like to live in the best parts of the country – and this is one of them.
“I’m from Galicia myself, and I even asked to be posted to the Costa del Sol. It must be the quality of life.”
I’m A Celeb’s Nicola McLean reveals she’s desperate to do All Stars and shares the reasons she’s never been asked
NICOLA McLean has never shied away from voicing her opinion – but fears it’s costing her a place on I’m A Celebrity All Stars.
The former glamour girl and TV personality, 44, starred in the jungle in 2008 and had heated arguments with 70s star David Van Day on her way to finishing sixth.
She hasn’t made the line-up for either of the two All Stars series so far, but it’s certainly not due to a lack of willing.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun on behalf of WhichBingo, Nicola says: “How have I not been asked yet? I don’t know whether it’s because I’m so well known for Big Brother. It is only the second one, but I’m hoping I’ll get the call up. I think I’d be brilliant.”
Nicola has spent a total of 56 days inside the Big Brother house across three series and was also a regular on its former Bit On The Side spin-off show.
During her time in the house in 2012, she clashed with Denise Welch, who she has yet to make up with, though she did heal feuds with Natalie Cassidy and Stacey Giggs.
Denise and Nicola went to war after the Loose Women star pulled Playboy star Karissa Shannon’s pyjama bottoms down by surprise, which Nicola felt was unacceptable.
“I feel like it doesn’t matter how hard I try, I can’t self edit,” admits Nicola. “I just can’t do it. If I don’t like you, I don’t like you. I can’t pretend for 2-3 weeks I like someone I don’t.”
Nicola singled out controversial current housemate Caroline Monk for criticism and said she’s lucky that she wasn’t in the house to fight transgender Zelah Glasson’s corner.
Caroline misgendered Zelah, 25, during a game of spin the bottle, declaring, “she’s a girl!”.
It came as she asked pansexual housemate Nancy Nocerino, 22, which housemate she would most like to have sex with, reasoning she wanted to know who Nancy would choose to rebuild civilization with if she was stranded on a desert island.
Earlier in the night, Caroline asked Zelah, “If you had a cock, what would you do with it?”
The uncomfortable exchange took its toll and Zelah told Big Brother: “I can’t remember the last time words hurt me like that.”
Nicola says: “You can’t have a sh*tty opinion, like Caroline Monk in her spin the bottle challenge. I would have gone nuts at that, ‘What are you talking about shut your mouth!’ They need to bring back people who have nothing to lose.”
One such person is ex Premier League footballer Jimmy Bullard, 46.
Jimmy, who went on to host Sky‘s Soccer AM, was kicked out first in the 2014 series, despite being an early favourite to win the show.
The cheeky chappy’s humour fell flat and he was accused of bullying jungle pal Jake Quickenden.
But Nicola insists he was misunderstood and expects him to do better second time around.
She says: “My husband’s best friend Jimmy Bullard, he’s going to be fantastic. He can’t self edit, he’ll be brilliant. The majority of other people are so worried about losing a career that they will self edit. We need people like me who just don’t care, get me back.
“I remember Jimmy telling my husband he was going in it and I was like ‘you’ll win it’ and he got voted out first. The football banter people didn’t like. He’s the least likely person to bully at all.
“Because he’s been around a bit more and people know how crazy he is, crazy is the wrong word, but Jimmy won’t mind. Now people are getting that I think he’ll do so much better.”
All Stars series two recently finished filming in South Africa and will air on ITV next year.
Chelsea vs Liverpool Legends ratings: Hazard terrorises Reds defence again but Babel’s Mbappe-esque winner seals win
CHELSEA were beaten by Liverpool’s team of legends late on as Ryan Babel stole the show at Stamford Bridge.
Blues fans were left disappointed by the last-minute winner, but got their money’s worth with a brilliant Eden Hazard cameo and a moment of madness from Diego Costa, rolling back the years.
The Spaniard clashed with Martin Kelly, giving him a stud to the leg, before charging into Martin Skrtel and sending him tumbling to the ground.
Babel’s right-footed winner at the death saw the Reds win over Roberto Di Matteo’s side, before the Dutchman paid tribute to Diogo Jota with a touching celebration in front of the Liverpool fans.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players:
CHELSEA FC LEGENDS
PETR CECH – 8
We’ve seen enough. Farewell, Robert Sanchez.
Petr Cech wore his iconic headguard and was a safe pair of hands in goal, claiming crosses well and leading from the back as he always did.
Still looked as though he could play in goal for the Blues (if they played retired teams every week).
WILLIAM GALLAS – 6
Did the simple things well at right-back for Chelsea, often keeping things ticking over, while he wasn’t caused an awful lot of trouble defensively.
Combined nicely at times with Salomon Kalou going forward, but didn’t have the same energy levels as Malouda on the other side. Replaced by Celestine Babayaro after a solid first half.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
JOHN TERRY – 8
Had a bit of a shaky start, but recovered really well and still looked very fit at the back, and a commanding presence too.
It was overall a dominant display from the Blues captain, leader, legend, and one he will still be proud of.
GARY CAHILL – 8
Made a few crucial blocks when Liverpool did come forward, and his chemistry with defensive partner John Terry was as evident as it ever was.
Rock solid in the challenge, and worked hard for his team, being one of the better players at the back in terms of his passing.
Was deserving of a clean sheet, but Ryan Babel’s last-ditch winner took that from him.
FLORENT MALOUDA – 7
Showed his versatility to slot in at left-back, with a number of good defensive moves and some nice link-up with Eden Hazard on that side.
At the heart of some good moves when he threatened going forward for Chelsea, overlapping Hazard, but was missing some end product.
Came very close to opening the scoring with a cracking left-footed volley from outside the box in the second half, which rattled the woodwork.
CLAUDE MAKELELE – 7
Broke up play in midfield as well as he ever did; it’s clear to see why he’s a role model for Caicedo right now. Some good touches on the ball to boot.
Was subbed for Jody Morris at half-time after a solid first half in which he broke up play nicely and progressed the ball forward with aplomb.
RAMIRES – 5
He has definitely lost some of the pace and energy that made him a real asset to Chelsea’s midfield of old, but he still oozed class in the middle of the park.
Had an effort from outside the box that sailed over the bar, that was the highlight of his first half before being replaced by Katie Chapman.
JOHN OBI MIKEL – 8
Looked fit as a fiddle in the Chelsea midfield, controlling the game.
You can tell he has looked after himself better than most in retirement, with a good engine and great ability to do the simple things well.
SALOMON KALOU – 4
Not nearly as threatening as Eden Hazard on the opposite side of the pitch, as the Ivorian played very high up the pitch in a hybrid-striker role.
Did at times combine nicely with Diego Costa and Gallas, but was unable to provide the kind of end product that would really be dangerous for the Blues. Swapped for Joe Cole at half-time.
EDEN HAZARD – 9
Caused trouble all day long for the Liverpool defence, showing flashes of the dangerous dribbling that frightened Liverpool back lines more than anyone else over the years.
Has certainly lost a yard (or five) of pace in retirement, but drew an expectant gasp from the Stamford Bridge crowd when he picked up the ball, as he always did, and created a number of attacks for his side.
Worth coming just to see him back in royal blue at Stamford Bridge.
DIEGO COSTA – 7
Linked up with Eden Hazard nicely at times, much as they did in their time here together years ago.
A physical presence up top who caused trouble for the LFC defence on numerous occasions, mostly for Martin Skrtel and Martin Kelly, both of whom he was starting fights with in the first half, providing at least some entertainment when the game was goalless.
SUBS:
JOE COLE – 7
Was the best of the substitutes by a distance, creating chances when he came on and showing some very silky dribbling.
CELESTINE BABAYARO – 5
Made a short cameo from the bench, but didn’t have an awful lot to do, barring a tackle on Jermaine Pennant.
KATIE CHAPMAN – 5
Another short cameo, with not much to note.
JODY MORRIS – 6
Added energy to the Blues’ midfield, but didn’t get on the ball an awful lot.
Showed some great technique with a volley from outside the box, but it sailed just over the crossbar after dipping significantly.
TIAGO – 6
Combined nicely on the right-hand side with Joe Cole and at times Eden Hazard drifting inside, coming from deep to win possession back for his team.
LOIC REMY – 8
Should’ve provided a great assist for Eden Hazard, only for the Belgian to have his shot saved by Sander Westerveld.
Looked as though the Frenchman definitely still had it after coming on, causing problems for the LFC defence.
JON HARLEY – 5
Didn’t make much impact with not an awful lot to do at the back, but occasionally showed his class with a few nice touches in defence.
CARLO CUDICINI – 4
Even Petr Cech may have struggled to stop Ryan Babel’s strike from the edge of the box, so it feels harsh to blame the Italian keeper.
Would’ve got a much higher rating if he could’ve made the save, but ultimately didn’t step up when he was called upon most.
LIVERPOOL FC LEGENDS
PEPE REINA – 8
Did the simple things well and made a brilliant first-half save to stop Diego Costa giving Chelsea the lead.
FABIO AURELIO – 6
Was solid in the first half up against Kalou, but struggled more in the second when Joe Cole came on.
It was still a solid performance for the most part though, just no real flashes of excellence that were few and far between from anyone on the day.
RAGNAR KLAVAN – 7
Formed a solid partnership with Martin Skrtel, and did well to keep Diego Costa and co quiet.
MARTIN SKRTEL – 8
Cut an unrecognisable figure, rocking a lovely haircut at the back for the Reds as opposed to his textbook bald look.
Was pretty solid at the back, though, as ever for Liverpool, with some good passes and leadership from deep.
GREGORY VIGNAL – 7
Looked a composed figure at the back for Liverpool, on and off the ball.
Was often the figure LFC looked to as a link between the defence and midfield.
MARTIN KELLY – 7
Was an attacking threat for Liverpool in a wingback role, combining nicely with Yossi Benayoun to be a creative force going forward.
Did well not to start a fully blown scrap with Diego Costa at half-time, and then nearly scored an absolute rocket in the early stages of the second 45, but it sailed wide of Petr Cech’s goal.
IGOR BISCAN – 6
For a man approaching 50, Igor Biscan was solid in front of the Liverpool defence.
Didn’t make any huge mistakes and did well considering Chelsea’s midfield was particularly mobile in the second half.
YOSSI BENAYOUN – 8
The former Chelsea midfielder was representing the Reds today, and was a menace to the Blues’ defence early on.
He ducked and dived through challenges, but was only able to fire a shot straight at Cech in the first half before being replaced at half-time.
Came back on in the second half, but was pretty quiet upon his re-introduction, until a great delivery set up Ryan Babel’s winner from the right-hand side!
JAY SPEARING – 6
We were expecting big things from Jay Spearing, given he is still an Under-21s coach at Liverpool, and even PLAYED for them just three years ago against Rochdale in the EFL trophy.
He looked to control the midfield for LFC, but struggled in the middle of the park to create with John Obi Mikel looking after him.
FLORENT SINAMA-PONGOLLE – 4
Had a tough day up front against John Terry and Gary Cahill, failing to create much for his side.
RYAN BABEL – 9
The match winner!
Ryan Babel was quiet for the most part, but stepped up when it mattered most, cutting inside and rattling an Mbappe-esque shot into the near post past Carlo Cudicini.
Just when it looked as though Gary Cahill had his number, he shocked everyone on the break and continued to be impressive after scoring.
A heartwarming moment as he paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota with his celebration in front of the travelling supporters.
SUBS:
SANDER WESTERVELD – 8
Made a great save to stop Eden Hazard from opening the scoring in the second half, following up a fantastic Pepe Reina showing.
JASON MCATEER – 5
Didn’t make much impact after coming on for the Reds.
TASH DOWIE – 5
Didn’t make much impact after coming on for the Reds.
JERMAINE PENNANT – 7
Tried to win a penalty with a cheeky dive from Celestine Babayaro and occasionally caused problems down the right-hand side after coming on.
Definitely grew into the second half and got more and more dangerous as the game went on with some incisive running and a lot of effort.
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Lostprophets’ paedo Ian Watkins stabbed to death by con in frenzied jail attack after inmates unlocked from cells
PAEDO rocker star Ian Watkins has been murdered in jail in a brutal knife attack by another con.
The ex-Lostprophets frontman was ambushed and had his throat slashed after inmates were unlocked from their cells yesterday morning.
Police and medics raced to Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire – dubbed ‘Monster Mansion’ – but the stricken former singer could not be saved.
Watkins, 48 – who was serving 35 years for a string of child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby – is the most high-profile inmate to be killed in a UK jail in living memory.
His attacker, who justice sources said had been identified, is understood to have slashed his jugular, causing Watkins to die from blood loss.
And a source said: “Watkins has been killed in the most brutal way possible – and the attack was shocking, even by prison standards.
“He was targeted by another inmate who shanked him in the neck.
“Guards were nearby and raced to the scene pretty quickly – but there was nothing they could do, and they could not save him.”
They went on to say: “It was a horrific scene, with blood everywhere and alarms and sirens going off.
“Police and ambulances were called and the whole prison was locked down with all cons confined to their cells.
“Watkins was air-lifted to hospital but they could not save him.
“He has been attacked a few times inside Wakefield over the last few years, so perhaps this was just a matter of time.
“The bloke who got him this time went for his jugular and it looks like a pre-planned attack.
“Watkins was obviously high-profile and in for the most disgusting crimes.
“So that meant he was walking around with a target on his back, and this has happened.
“Despite who he was, it was really shocking and gruesome.
“Experienced officers and a lot of the other prisoners were in absolute shock after what happened and a lot of them saw the awful scene.
“The inmate who attacked him used a ‘shank’ knife and he was apprehended pretty quickly.
“There was not much doubt about who had done it.”
Stabbed in guitar lessons row
We told how in August 2023, while serving his sentence, the paedophile rocker was taken to hospital after being stabbed in another prison attack.
On that occasion, he was grabbed by three other lags who attacked him and left him with neck injuries.
A siege at the jail only ended when a “Tornado” team of riot officers hurled stun grenades into the cell to free Watkins.
The vile rocker, who was jailed for 13 horrific sex offences against children, had life-saving treatment at Leeds General Infirmary.
That stabbing was sparked by a row over guitar lessons and anger over jail visits from a younger “girlfriend” of Watkins.
Violence is rife in UK prisons although murders are rare.
In two recent cases, convicted murderer John Mansfield was killed in high-secuirty HMP Whitemoor, Cambs in April and Dennis Green, 42, died after being attacked Fosse Way Prison, Leics, in August.
Inspectors found levels of violence at Wakefield had increased by 62 per cent since 2022 in a report published last month.
It found many inmates were scared to leave their cells and felt unsafe around “a growing cohort of younger prisoners”.
Category A Wakefield – which holds 630 lags – has been dubbed ‘Monster Mansion’ due to the number of high-profile killers, terrorists and sex offenders it holds.
Its inmates included Roy Whiting, who killed Sarah Payne, Jeremy Bamber and paedophile killer Mark Bridger.
It also holds cop-killing Al-Qaeda terrorist Kamel Bourgass, serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga and child killer Mick Philpott.
We told in March how Philpott, 69 – who killed six of his 17 children in an arson house blaze – was left “battered and bruised” in a beating at Wakefield.
And an ex-prisoner at the jail faces court for an alleged attack at Wakefield on killer paedophile Sidney Cooke, 98 – the oldest inmate in a UK jail.
Three ‘groupies’ who regularly visited fiend
The Sun on Sunday told in 2017 how depraved Watkins had three “groupies” who were allowed to visit him in jail.
The trio of goth girls made regular trips to see the beast, and he was spotted holding hands with one and kissing her.
Watkins found fame in 2000 with Lostprophets — wish the Welsh band going on to sell more than 3.4million albums worldwide.
The Alt-rock and nu-metal group were founded by Watkins and guitarist Lee Gaze in Pontypridd, Wales in 1997.
They had four top 10 UK albums and charted with singles including Last Train Home, Rooftops and Burn Burn.
Vile paedo
Watkins was the poster-boy of the band which attracted a huge cult following.
But the rock world was stunned by his arrest and trial which saw him described in court as a “determined and committed paedophile”.
Watkins preyed on fans, including two who offered up their babies to be abused by their idol.
In March, bandmate Gaze, 50, broke his silence on the Watkins case, saying online: “It’s been 13 years since my band ended in the most unimaginable circumstances and it’s still painful to think about.
“Things could’ve been so different.
“I don’t talk about it much, but I put everything into that band, and it should’ve lasted a lifetime. I never really wronged anyone my whole life so it seemed like the ultimate punishment.”
Watkins was charged in 2012 and sentenced the following year.
The vile ex-rocker – an ex of TV and radio star Fearne Cotton – was jailed in 2013 after a shocking trial for offences including the attempted rape of a baby.
He changed his plea to guilty at the beginning of the trial and admitted to trying to rape a fan’s baby and plotting to rape another infant.
Watkins has been killed in the most brutal way possible – and the attack was shocking, even by prison standards.”
Prison source
Watkins filmed himself committing sex acts on a baby boy the day after Lostprophets final album Weapons was released.
The fiend claimed at Cardiff Crown Court he could not remember the sickening attacks because he was a “heavy user” of crystal meth at the time.
His two co-defendants, fans who were the mothers of victims, received sentences of 14 and 17 years in prison.
In 2014, he was refused the right to appeal against his 35-year sentence.
Lord Justice Christopher Pitchford said his offences were of “such shocking depravity” that the long sentence was called for.
He said the original trial judge had correctly gauged the seriousness of his offending and that the term was not “manifestly unjust”.
In 2019, Watkins was convicted of having a banned mobile phone in prison – and had another 10 months added to his sentence.
He used the device to communicate with scores of warped female fans from his cell.
The phone was found concealed on him after an ex-girlfriend tipped off jail bosses.
Life and Crimes
IAN Watkins was the super-confident and charismatic frontman of alt-rock band Lostprophets as they rose to fame in the early 2000s.
He had formed the group with guitarist Lee Gaze in Pontypridd, Wales in 1997 and they went on to build up a huge following on the UK’s underground music scene.
A debut album, The Fake Sound of Progress – released in 2000 – brought them commercial success.
Second album Start Something, which came out four years later spawned hits including Last Train Home and Burn Burn.
Further success followed with 2006’s Liberation Transmission and The Betrayed, released in 2010.
Lostprohets sold out venues including the Cardiff international Arena, and Watkins – their energetic lead-singer – had a legion of adoring fans.
But rumours began to swirl of his erratic behaviour, drug use and a sinister dark side.
Still, the rock world was stunned by his 2012 arrest and subsuquent conviction – which led detectives to label twisted Watkins the most dangerous sex offender they had encountered.
Watkins, who brifly dated TV and radio star Fearne Cotton in 2005, denied charges against him – but changed his plea to guilty at the start of his 2013 trial.
He confessed to 13 vile offences – including tryng to rape a fan’s 11-month-old son and conspiring to rape another’s daughter.
Watkins also admitted possessing indecent photos of children found on computers at his home in Pontypridd, South Wales.
Of 90 abuse images, 24 were level five – the most serious category.
Officers had to turn to experts at government intelligence networkGCHQ to crack encryption codes.
Meanwhile Cardiff Crown Court heard how he joked with a female fan 24 hours after his confession – calling his offences “mega lolz” (slang for laughing out loud).
In a recorded call from jail, he said: “I’m going to put a statment out just to say it was mega lolz.
“I don’t know what everyone’s getting so freaked out about.”
The fiend claimed at court that he could not remember the sickening attacks because he was a “heavy user” of crystal meth at the time.
But his own KC, Sally O’Neil admitted: “There is little that can be said in way of mitigation.”
And – handing out one of the longest tariffs ever to a convicted paedophile – Mr Justice Royce said: “These courts see a large number of horrific cases. This case, however, breaks new ground.
“You had many fawning fans. That gave you power.
“You knew you could use that power to induce young female fans to help satisfy your insatiable lust and take part in the sexual abuse of their children.
“Away from the highlights of your performances lay a dark and sinister side.”
Det Chief Insp Peter Doyle said: “He has shown no empathy or remorse.
“That potentially makes him the most dangerous sex offender I’ve ever seen.”
Two co-defendants – fans who were the mothers of victims – were caged for 14 and 17 years each.
In 2014, Watkins was refused the right to appeal against his 35-year sentence.
So until his death yesterday, he langhuished in bleak Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire – one of Britain’s toughest jails where many will believe an act of brutal natural justice was meted out.
