A correctional officer revealed that a nurse witnessed Ian Watkins’ injuries and reacted with alarm before the shamed musician started coughing up blood following a violent incident in prison.
Rico Gedel, 25, also known as Rashid, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, are currently standing trial at Leeds Crown Court for the alleged murder of the former lead singer of Lostprophets at HMP Wakefield on October 11.
Watkins, 48, was sentenced to 29 years in prison in December 2013, with an additional six years on parole, for confessing to various sexual offenses, including the attempted assault of a fan’s infant.
During the trial, it was stated that prison staff rushed to assist Watkins after he was purportedly attacked with a makeshift blade. A nurse present at the scene reportedly let out a distressed noise upon seeing the severity of his injuries. Subsequently, Watkins began coughing up blood before experiencing cardiac arrest and passing away.
Jurors were informed that Watkins sustained three wounds from a makeshift weapon during a brief 20-second assault. West Yorkshire Police released footage showing a bloodied Watkins exiting his cell after the incident, as shown to the jury by prosecutor Tom Storey KC.
Both Gedel and Dodsworth have denied the charge of murdering Watkins. Gedel is accused of carrying out the attack, while Dodsworth is accused of monitoring the situation and disposing of the weapon in a designated area.
In recent court proceedings, two prison officers testified, with one recalling noticing Watkins’ injuries while on B wing. The officer described observing Watkins exiting his cell with blood on his shirt and then returning inside without taking any further action.
The officer’s account continued with details of the response to the incident, including one colleague assisting Watkins and another detaining Gedel, who was seen assaulting another inmate. Following Gedel’s detention, a search of his cell was conducted, and Watkins was monitored by officers.
Further testimonies from officers detailed interactions with both Gedel and Watkins on the day of the incident, with one officer recalling a light-hearted exchange with Gedel before the events unfolded.
The officer who interacted with Watkins described finding him drawing in his cell and engaging in conversation with him. After unlocking the cells, the officer conducted security checks, noting Watkins still engrossed in his artwork.
The officer then recounted witnessing a gesture made by a worker towards Watkins’ cell, signaling a troubling event. Subsequently, officers intervened, with one officer noting Gedel’s prior history of violent behavior.
After Gedel’s apprehension, the officer returned to Watkins’ cell to provide medical assistance. The nurse’s reaction to Watkins’ injuries was described as shock, leading to urgent medical intervention, but unfortunately, Watkins succumbed to his injuries.
The trial is ongoing as more evidence is presented to the court.
