Wakefield Prison Killing: Rico Gedel Trial Starts

Rico Gedel is on trial for the murder of Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield on October 11, 2025. The prosecution says Gedel admitted to the crime.
By Newsroom | Crime, UK |

The prosecution claims Rico Gedel, 25, killed Ian Watkins within his cell at HMP Wakefield on 11 October 2025. Gedel and co-defendant Samuel Dodsworth, 44, both plead not guilty to murder and possession of a makeshift weapon.

Man accused of killing Ian Watkins ‘smug’ after fatal stabbing, trial told - 1
DefendantChargePlea
Rico GedelMurder / WeaponNot Guilty
Samuel DodsworthMurder / WeaponNot Guilty

Prosecution Testimony

Witnesses and evidence presented at Leeds Crown Court describe a sequence of events on the morning of the killing. Prison staff unlocked cells on the B-wing shortly after 9:00 AM. While Gedel exited his cell, Watkins—who was serving a 29-year term for child sexual offences—remained inside.

Man accused of killing Ian Watkins ‘smug’ after fatal stabbing, trial told - 2

Maintenance workers witnessed Watkins clutching his neck as he emerged from his room, visibly bleeding. Despite intervention attempts by prison officers, Watkins was declared dead at 10:14 AM.

Man accused of killing Ian Watkins ‘smug’ after fatal stabbing, trial told - 3

The prosecution posits the following regarding the defendants' conduct:

Man accused of killing Ian Watkins ‘smug’ after fatal stabbing, trial told - 4

  • Gedel allegedly displayed a "smug" demeanor following the attack.

  • Testimony suggests Gedel told a prison officer: "If I’m going to do life for murder, I’m going to make sure it’s worth it."

  • Records indicate Watkins received threats the day prior, including demands for money and accusations regarding the removal of another inmate from the wing.

  • Gedel had been transferred to the B-wing only one day before the fatal incident.

Background and Context

The incident underscores systemic tensions within high-security environments, where internal justice—often described by the prosecution as inmates attempting to "take the law into their own hands"—frequently targets those convicted of specific Child Sexual Offences. Watkins, once a recognizable figure as the frontman of the band Lostprophets, occupied a cell in close proximity to the accused, a placement the prosecution highlighted as a critical factor in the timeline leading to the attack. The trial continues to examine the logistical movements of prisoners within HMP Wakefield and the communications preceding the stabbing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is on trial for the killing at HMP Wakefield on October 11, 2025?
Rico Gedel, 25, is on trial for the murder of Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Q: What does the prosecution say Rico Gedel did?
The prosecution claims Gedel killed Watkins in his cell on October 11, 2025. They say Gedel made comments after the attack, including that he wanted his life sentence to be 'worth it'.
Q: What happened to Ian Watkins?
Prison staff found Ian Watkins bleeding from his neck after he left his cell on the morning of October 11, 2025. He was declared dead later that morning.
Q: Is anyone else involved in the trial?
Samuel Dodsworth, 44, is also on trial with Gedel. Both men have pleaded not guilty to murder and possession of a weapon.
Q: Why was Ian Watkins in HMP Wakefield?
Ian Watkins was serving a long prison sentence for child sexual offences. He was a former singer for the band Lostprophets.