An inmate at the high-security HMP Wakefield has pleaded not guilty to the murder of disgraced Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins.
Samuel Dodsworth, 43, entered his plea during a hearing at Leeds Crown Court via video link from the prison. He also denied a charge of possessing a makeshift knife within the prison.
Court Appearance and Co-Defendant
Appearing in a grey sweatshirt with his arms crossed, Dodsworth formally refuted the charges. His co-accused, 25-year-old Rashid Gedel, did not appear via video link and has requested to be present in person for the next hearing.
The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, set a provisional trial date for both men of May 5th. The trial is anticipated to last for four weeks.
The Fatal Attack and Watkins' Crimes
Ian Watkins, 48, was pronounced dead on October 11, 2025, after being stabbed in the neck at HMP Wakefield. He was serving a 29-year sentence for a series of horrific child sex offences.
His 2013 conviction sent shockwaves across the UK. Watkins admitted to the attempted rape of a fan's baby and a string of other sexual assaults involving children. Prosecutors at the time described him as a man corrupted by fame, drugs, and power, whose crimes were 'beyond imagination'.
Mr Justice Royce, during sentencing, said the case had 'plunged into new depths of depravity' and noted Watkins' complete lack of remorse.
Previous Incidents and Prison Safety Concerns
This was not the first violent incident Watkins faced in custody. In August 2023, he was taken hostage and stabbed at the same prison, though his injuries on that occasion were not life-threatening.
The fatal attack occurred just two weeks after a report from the chief inspector of prisons highlighted that violence at HMP Wakefield had 'increased markedly'. The report stated that many prisoners felt unsafe, particularly older men convicted of sexual offences who were housed with a growing number of younger inmates.
The inquest into Watkins' death was opened and immediately adjourned by Area Coroner Oliver Longstaff, pending the outcome of the criminal trial. The provisional cause of death was confirmed as a single incision wound to the neck.
