Two inmates have been formally charged with the murder of Ian Watkins, the former lead vocalist of Lostprophets, who was convicted of heinous child sex crimes. Rashid Gedel, aged 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, made brief appearances at Leeds Magistrates’ Court earlier today.
Watkins, 48, was serving a nearly 30-year sentence for multiple appalling offenses, including the attempted sexual assault of a fan’s infant daughter. Emergency responders were called to HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire on Saturday morning, where Watkins was later declared dead.
During their court appearances, both Gedel and Dodsworth remained impassive, only confirming their identities and ages. Each was accompanied by a team of five security officers. Neither entered a plea nor requested bail. They were both remanded in custody and are scheduled to face Leeds Crown Court tomorrow.
Following Watkins’ death, further information has surfaced regarding his incarceration. Reports suggest he employed other prisoners as paid protectors. It is believed that Watkins was fatally attacked when inmates emerged from their cells, suffering a fatal throat injury. Notably, he was housed on a general wing alongside some of the prison’s most dangerous offenders, rather than in a unit designated for sex offenders.
An insider remarked, “It seemed as though Watkins was aware his end was near.” In response to the incident, HMP Wakefield has intensified security measures, including thorough searches for weapons, amid fears of similar retaliatory attacks. A prison transport vehicle was observed departing the high-security facility late Saturday evening.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed the death was the result of a severe assault. Their statement read: “Detectives have charged two men with murder following the death of a prisoner at HMP Wakefield on Saturday. Ian Watkins, 48, was pronounced dead after being seriously assaulted at the prison. Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, both inmates at HMP Wakefield, have been charged with murder and are due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court this morning.”
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Joanne Mjadzelics, a former girlfriend of Watkins who played a role in exposing his crimes, expressed her shock yet admitted she had anticipated this outcome. She revealed that she has struggled with PTSD and self-harm as a result of her experiences with Watkins.
Mjadzelics stated, “This news is shocking, but honestly, I thought it would happen sooner. From the moment he entered prison, he carried a target on his back. I was always fearful he might get out and come after me, so in a way, this brings relief.”
She continued, “After all he did, I wanted him gone. It feels like a heavy burden has been lifted. This is reportedly the second time his throat has been slashed. Given he’s been incarcerated for nearly 13 years, I expected this to occur earlier.”
Reflecting on the victims’ families, she added, “They will be celebrating today. His death brings them relief, just as it does for me. Perhaps now I can start a new chapter in my life. The man I thought I loved never truly existed; he was a manipulator. The person who died in prison was a stranger to me.”
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