Rico Gedel, a prisoner accused of murdering Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield, allegedly boasted to guards that he could become famous after stabbing the former Lostprophets singer. The attack occurred on October 11 in Watkins' cell, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences.
Key Takeaways
Rico Gedel, accused of murdering Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield, allegedly boasted to prison staff that he could become famous after the stabbing. Both Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth deny charges of murder and possession of a makeshift knife.
- Rico Gedel stabbed Ian Watkins with a homemade knife in his cell on 11 October
- Watkins was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences at HMP Wakefield
- Gedel allegedly told guards he could become famous after the attack and that God had inflicted injuries on Watkins
- Samuel Dodsworth is accused of acting as a lookout and disposing of the weapon
According to court testimony reported by The Guardian, Gedel stabbed Watkins with a homemade knife and handed it to Samuel Dodsworth, who disposed of it. The attack lasted about 20 seconds, with Dodsworth acting as a lookout. After the stabbing, Gedel allegedly told guards he could be talking to someone famous.
Both Gedel and Dodsworth deny charges of murder and possession of a makeshift knife in prison. Prosecutors argue that the attack was a joint offence between the two defendants. Watkins received threats from other prisoners before his death, according to The Guardian. After being arrested, Gedel told police he was jealous of 'nonce prisoners' because they were treated like royalty.
Watkins emerged briefly from his cell with blood visible on his T-shirt and collapsed shortly after. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him, and he was declared dead just before 10:15 am. The trial is ongoing as both defendants maintain their innocence under different pretenses.
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