A jury has been told that the vile crimes of paedophile and former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins did not justify his murder in prison. Last year at HMP Wakefield, inmate Rico Gedel attacked Watkins with a makeshift knife, aided by Samuel Dodsworth, leading to Watkins’ death. Both deny charges of murder and possessing a weapon.
Prosecutor Tom Storey KC stated that, despite the heinous nature of Watkins’ past actions, they did not warrant his brutal killing. Gedel expressed his disgust at being housed with sex offenders, and admitted in court to wanting to harm Watkins, solely because they were cell neighbours.
The court saw evidence of Gedel laughing and making chilling remarks post-attack, but Storey emphasised that Watkins had no chance to defend himself, suggesting a surprise assault. Gedel’s implication of Dodsworth in providing the weapon has been strongly denied by Dodsworth, adding further complexity to the case.
The judge reminded jurors that while Watkins committed terrible offences, his life should not have ended this way. They were urged to assess the evidence impartially, without being swayed by sympathy or prejudice.
Watkins had been serving a 29-year sentence since 2013 for numerous sexual offences. The trial continues as the jury considers if this brutal act was murder or manslaughter.