Ian Watkins, the disgraced former Lostprophets singer, allegedly sent his secret fiancée a sickening love letter just days before he was killed in prison. The 48-year-old paedophile was found dead after an attack at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire last Saturday.
Two inmates, Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have been charged with Watkins' murder. It has emerged that while behind bars, Watkins is said to have forged a controlling relationship with a 30-year-old fan, going so far as to propose after instructing her to buy an engagement ring.
The day before his death, a letter Watkins had written was delivered to his fiancée, identified only as Ellie. In it, he wrote: 'Duchess. Didn't think I'd forget your birthday did you. They won't keep us apart forever. Your Duke. IW.' The letter also referenced a previous attack in 2023 when he was stabbed and held hostage, claiming he 'almost died' and suffered permanent spinal nerve damage, but insisted he was 'still really hot'.
Ellie, who is married, claimed Watkins had 'a hold' over her and that she 'couldn't ever drop the thought of him.' She received his birthday wishes in his final letter. Watkins had met the fan backstage at a gig in January 2010 when she was 15 years old, and allegedly spoke to her on the phone most days.
On Tuesday, both accused men were due to appear before Leeds Crown Court. Dodsworth appeared via video link, but Gedel refused to attend remotely, insisting on appearing in person. No bail applications were made, and both were remanded in custody until a plea and trial preparation hearing. A provisional trial date of May 5 has been set.
Watkins was serving a 29-year sentence for a string of child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a fan's baby. He was jailed in December 2013 after police uncovered evidence of his depraved behaviour following a drugs warrant execution at his home.
