The jury in the trial of two prisoners accused of murdering disgraced former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has been discharged for legal reasons, with a retrial ordered. Mr Justice Hilliard told jurors at Leeds Crown Court on Friday: “Very reluctantly, I’m going to discharge you and the case will have to be retried.”
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 handing the knife to Dodsworth, who disposed of it in a bin. The prosecution argued both men were jointly responsible for Watkins’s death, claiming Dodsworth was aware of the planned attack and assisted by concealing the weapon. Dodsworth denied any involvement, stating he only came into contact with the knife after the incident and panicked.
Gedel told the court he disliked being housed with sex offenders and chose Watkins due to “proximity,” as they were in neighbouring cells. He said “part of him” wanted to kill Watkins, adding: “Sometimes what your heart wants is not what your brain wants.” The attack occurred shortly after prison officers began unlocking cells.
The defence for Dodsworth maintained he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and reacted in panic. Gedel’s evidence acknowledged jealousy of “nonce prisoners” but did not formally accept guilt of murder. With the jury discharged, the case will be listed for a retrial, leaving the allegations unresolved.
