Two prisoners have been charged with the murder of Ian Watkins, the disgraced former lead singer of the band Lostprophets, at HMP Wakefield. The court heard that Rico Gedel, 25, stabbed Watkins in the head and neck with a homemade knife, while Samuel Dodsworth, 44, acted as a lookout and disposed of the weapon.
Prosecutor Tom Storey KC told Leeds Crown Court that Gedel boasted to guards after the attack, saying they 'could be talking to someone famous'. The attack lasted about 20 seconds and occurred shortly after Watkins' cell door was opened on the morning of 11 October. When asked who was responsible, Gedel replied 'God'.
Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences, was a 'particularly notorious and high-profile' prisoner who had received threats, including the day before his death. Gedel allegedly told police he was jealous of 'nonce prisoners' and found it disgusting to share a wing with sex offenders at HMP Wakefield, often called 'monster mansion'.
CCTV footage showed Gedel entering Watkins' cell just before 9.20am and leaving 20 seconds later, then passing something to Dodsworth, who put it in his pocket. Watkins emerged briefly with blood on his T-shirt and collapsed. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead just before 10.15am.
Both defendants deny murder and possession of a makeshift knife. The trial continues.
