The jury in the trial of two prisoners accused of murdering disgraced former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has been discharged for legal reasons. Mr Justice Hilliard at Leeds Crown Court told jurors on Friday that there would be a retrial, describing the development as 'disappointing'.
The defendants, Rico Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 44, both denied murdering Watkins and possessing a makeshift knife in prison. The court heard evidence about the stabbing of Watkins at high-security HMP Wakefield, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences.
Prosecutors alleged that Gedel used a homemade weapon to attack Watkins in his cell before his death, and that Dodsworth, who is serving a sentence for rape, had been aware of the planned attack and assisted by disposing of the weapon. Dodsworth denied any involvement, stating he panicked after being handed the knife unexpectedly.
Gedel told the court he disliked being housed with sex offenders and chose Watkins due to 'proximity', as they were in neighbouring cells. He admitted that 'part of him' wanted to kill Watkins but did not formally accept guilt of murder.
The case will now be listed for a retrial at a later date, leaving the allegations against both men unresolved.
