Prisoner accused of killing Ian Watkins said attack would 'make me famous'
Rashid Gedel, a 25-year-old inmate, is charged with the murder of Ian Watkins, the 47-year-old former frontman of the band Lostprophets, at HMP Wakefield. The incident occurred on October 11, shortly after Watkins' cell was opened, where he was discovered with stab wounds. Gedel allegedly passed a homemade weapon to fellow inmate Samuel Dodsworth, 44, and both have pleaded not guilty. Gedel had been relocated next to Watkins just a day prior due to expressed jealousy toward others. CCTV footage captured his movements in and out of the cell within a brief timeframe. The trial continues.
Key facts
- Ian Watkins was stabbed to death at HMP Wakefield on 11 October.
- Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 44, deny murder and possession of a makeshift knife.
- Gedel told staff: 'If I've killed him, you could be talking to someone famous.'
- The attack lasted 20 seconds; Gedel stabbed Watkins three times in head and neck.
- Gedel was moved into the same wing as Watkins the day before the attack.
- CCTV showed Gedel entering Watkins' cell at 9:20 and leaving 20 seconds later.
- Watkins received two threatening notes the day before his death.
- Around two-thirds of HMP Wakefield inmates are convicted of sexual offences.
Entities
Artists
- Ian Watkins
Institutions
- Lostprophets
- HMP Wakefield
- Leeds Crown Court
- BBC
Locations
- Pontypridd
- Wakefield
- Leeds