A prisoner mocked Ian Watkins, the convicted child abuser from the band Lostprophets, as he lay dying in his cell after being stabbed, saying, “Have a pleasant night’s rest, Watkins,” according to court testimony.
Ian Watkins, aged 48, passed away following an alleged assault in October at HMP Wakefield, where he was serving a lengthy sentence for child sexual offenses.
Rashid Gedel, 25, also known as Rico Gedel in court, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, are currently standing trial at Leeds Crown Court, facing charges of murder.
According to prosecutor Tom Storey KC, Gedel allegedly assaulted Watkins inside his cell on the morning of October 11, inflicting three stab wounds using a makeshift bladed weapon that Dodsworth reportedly later concealed.
The court was informed that Gedel then taunted Watkins as he was being escorted back to his cell by prison officers while attempts were being made to provide medical assistance to the disgraced musician.
Mr. Storey stated, “On the morning of October 11 last year, Ian Watkins was assaulted in his cell shortly after all cell doors on his wing were unlocked for the morning activities.”
“He sustained three cuts to his head and neck, with one severing his jugular vein and surrounding muscle tissues. The attack was carried out by the first defendant, Rico Gedel, using a homemade bladed weapon.”
“The prosecution argues that this attack was part of a joint offense involving the second defendant, Samuel Dodsworth, who, according to the prosecution, was aware of the planned attack and assisted by, at the very least, disposing of the weapon used by Gedel in the assault on Watkins.”
Continuing his opening statement, Mr. Storey mentioned that Gedel was then “escorted back to his cell on the second floor by a team of prison officers”.
He added, “Since his cell was right next to Mr. Watkins’, the group accompanying him had to pass by Ian Watkins’ open cell door while medical staff were still trying to provide him with aid. As he walked past Watkins’ cell, Gedel explicitly stated, ‘have a good night’s sleep, Watkins lad’.”
“He was then placed back in his own cell and subjected to a search; however, nothing was discovered on his person or in his cell.”
Mr. Storey further mentioned that Gedel seemed to find the situation amusing and, when questioned about the weapon’s whereabouts, claimed, “I used my hands,” despite lacking any visible injuries or blood. The court was informed that his attire and shoes were later seized.
Ian Watkins was sentenced in December 2013 to 29 years in prison, with an additional six years
