A prisoner accused of the murder of disgraced former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins reportedly told guards they 'could be talking to someone famous' after the alleged attack. Rico Gedel is standing trial, accused of stabbing Watkins in the head and neck with a homemade knife within his cell at HMP Wakefield, a court has been told.
The prosecution detailed how Gedel, who denies the charge, is alleged to have carried out the assault on Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences. Following the incident, it is claimed that Gedel then handed the weapon to another prisoner, Samuel Dodsworth, who is also on trial accused of assisting an offender by disposing of the knife.
The incident is said to have taken place inside the maximum-security prison, where Watkins had been incarcerated since his conviction. The nature of the alleged attack and the subsequent boast to prison staff by Gedel form a central part of the prosecution's case, aiming to establish intent and the sequence of events on the day in question.
This case highlights the challenges faced by the Prison Service in maintaining order and safety within high-security environments, particularly when dealing with high-profile inmates and the potential for violence. The use of homemade weapons within prison facilities is a persistent concern, prompting ongoing scrutiny of security measures and inmate supervision protocols.
The trial continues, with further evidence expected to be presented by the prosecution and defence teams. Both Mr Gedel and Mr Dodsworth have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them. The jury will be tasked with evaluating the evidence presented to determine the facts surrounding the death of Ian Watkins within the prison system.