News

Farage tricked into praising Lostprophets sex offender in Cameo prank

Published

1 month ago

January 16, 2026

REFORM UK leader filmed a paid-for video tribute to “Ian Watkins”, calling him “a good man”, before the clip was shared online

Nigel Farage has been caught out by another prank on the paid video-message platform Cameo after recording what appeared to be a tribute to “Ian Watkins” — the name of the former Lostprophets frontman and convicted child sex offender.

Farage, who offers personalised messages for a fee, filmed a short clip for a requester using the name John Smith. In the video, Farage describes Watkins as “a good man” and “a really good guy”, adding that he “loved his children”, and even suggesting he knew him personally by claiming Watkins had been “very much in contact with me”.

The former Lostprophets singer was serving a 29-year prison sentence for child sex offences when he died in custody last year. Two men have been charged in connection with his death after he was stabbed at HMP Wakefield in October.

It is not the first time Farage has been embarrassed through Cameo. In 2021, he was similarly duped into ending a birthday message with a pro-IRA slogan.

Responding to the latest incident, Farage attempted to brush off the prank, saying there are “lots of Ian Watkins”, thanking the requester for the money and suggesting he should “send more”. He also claimed he had altered the request.

Smith told Metro he had not expected Farage to carry out the filming, and said he was concerned by how easily he was able to obtain a public tribute without any basic checks. He argued the stunt was meant to highlight what he described as Farage’s willingness to say almost anything for cash — and questioned what that might mean if he were dealing with bigger financial backers.

Smith also insisted he was not trying to make light of Watkins’ crimes, saying his aim was to show how quickly Farage would praise a name supplied to him and falsely imply a personal connection. Farage has previously been targeted by prank callers in other settings, including during his time hosting an LBC phone-in show, where he was repeatedly caught off guard live on air.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

1 hour ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

2 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.

Crime

Drink drive allegation denied

Published

3 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Trial date fixed by magistrates

A MOTORIST has denied a drink-driving allegation when the case came before magistrates.

Michael Miles, 39, of Milford Road, Johnston, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level was above the prescribed limit.

The court heard that on January 24, 2026, it is alleged that Miles drove a Ford Transit on the A477 at Jordanston after consuming so much alcohol, that the proportion in his breath was 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Miles entered a not guilty plea on February 10, 2026.

The matter was adjourned for trial on May 21 at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. He was remanded on unconditional bail.