The trial of two men accused of murdering former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has heard that the dying paedophile was allegedly taunted by one of the defendants after being stabbed in his prison cell.
Attack at HMP Wakefield
Rico Gedel, 25, is accused of killing the 48-year-old Watkins at HMP Wakefield, where the latter was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences, including the attempted rape of a fan's baby. Gedel allegedly told Watkins to "have a good night's sleep, Watkins lad" after the attack, a court was told.
Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, are currently on trial at Leeds Crown Court, charged with Watkins' murder. Prosecutor Tom Storey KC outlined the events of October 11 last year, describing how Watkins was attacked in his cell shortly after prison officers unlocked the cell doors on his wing.
Details of the Attack
Mr Storey told the court: "He suffered three incised wounds to his head and neck, one of which cut through his jugular vein and the surrounding muscle tissues. He was attacked by the first of the two defendants, Rico Gedel, with a homemade bladed weapon."
The prosecution alleges that this attack was part of a joint offence involving both defendants. Dodsworth, they say, was aware of the planned attack and assisted by disposing of the weapon used by Gedel.
Taunt After Stabbing
Following the stabbing, Gedel was escorted back to his cell by prison officers. Mr Storey explained: "Because his cell was immediately next to Mr Watkins', this meant that the group escorting him had to pass the open door to Ian Watkins' cell at a time when prison officers were still trying to provide first aid to him."
As he walked past, Gedel allegedly said: "Have a good night's sleep, Watkins lad." He was then placed in his own cell, where a search found nothing on his person or in his cell. Mr Storey noted that Gedel "appeared to find the situation amusing."
When asked where the weapon was, Gedel replied, "I used my hands," despite having no visible injuries or blood on him.
The trial continues.
