Man accused of killing paedophile singer Ian Watkins expected fame, trial hears

An inmate accused of murdering paedophile Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins thought the crime would bring him notoriety, a court has heard.

Prosecutors told a jury that Rico Gedel had said to a prison officer: "If I've killed him, you could be talking to someone famous."

Watkins was stabbed to death in his cell at high security HMP Wakefield, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences.

Leeds Crown Court heard prisoner Gedel went into Watkins' cell less than 20 minutes after it was unlocked for the morning, on 11 October last year.

He stabbed him three times in the head and neck using a home-made knife, the jury was told.

Gedel then passed the weapon to fellow inmate Samuel Dodsworth, who threw it in a bin.

Prosecutors said the attack lasted just 20 seconds and Gedel allegedly said "Have a good night's sleep Watkins lad", when he was taken past the cell where the former rock star was receiving medical treatment.

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Mr Storey said staff who were told to observe Gedel through the cell door hatch noted "his perky demeanour".

"He discussed with one of them the offence that had led to him being imprisoned at HMP Wakefield in the first place, and he said something to the effect of 'If I'm going to do life for murder, I'm going to make sure it's worth it'," the prosecutor said.

He later told police he was jealous of "nonce prisoners" because they "got treated like royalty".

He said he thought it was disgusting having to share a wing with sex offenders at HMP Wakefield.

Gedel, 25, who was initially referred to as Rashid Gedel by police, and Dodsworth, 44, both deny murder and possession of a makeshift knife in prison.

Prosecutors say the attack was "a joint offence" between the two defendants, and Dodsworth was aware that it was going to take place.

Opening the case to jurors on Thursday, Tom Storey KC said Watkins received two notes the day before he was killed that accused him of getting another prisoner kicked off the wing, demanded money from him and threatened violence.

Mr Storey said that although it was unclear whether these notes were linked to the attack, prisons are places where "grudges are borne, and acted upon... and where 'grassing' or 'snitching' on others is viewed in a poor light".

The court heard Gedel had been moved into the same wing as Watkins and Dodsworth the day before the attack, and "coincidentally" housed in the cell next to Watkins.

The trial continues.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man accused of killing paedophile singer Ian Watkins expected fame, trial hears