Published • loading... • Updated
Man accused of killing paedophile singer Ian Watkins expected fame, trial hears
Prosecutors say the attack lasted 20 seconds and was a joint offence, with one defendant allegedly boasting he could become famous.
- On Thursday, prosecutor Tom Storey KC told Leeds Crown Court that prisoners Rashid Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth murdered Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield on October 11, stabbing him three times inside his cell.
- Gedel allegedly entered Watkins' cell less than 20 minutes after unlocking and stabbed him three times with a homemade blade, while Dodsworth allegedly disposed of the weapon in a bin.
- Evidence presented to jurors described Gedel as "perky" after the assault, and he told staff, "If I've killed him, you could be talking to someone famous," while Watkins bled from severe neck wounds.
- Watkins received two threatening notes the day before his death that demanded money and accused him of getting another inmate expelled, according to prosecutor Tom Storey KC.
- Both defendants deny the murder and possession of a makeshift knife, with Dodsworth claiming he disposed of the weapon in panic after discovering Watkins injured.
Insights by Ground AI
17 Articles
17 Articles
Man accused of murdering Lostprophets' Ian Watkins boasted about fame, court hears
A man accused of murdering Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins told prison guards they “could be talking to someone famous”, a court has heard. The convicted child sex offender and former singer was killed in Wakefield Prison aged 48 on October 11. Watkins was supposed to serve a 29-year sentence with a further six years on licence. He pleaded guilty to 13 sex offences in 2013, including the attempted rape of a baby, conspiring to rape a child, th…
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 29%
C 50%
R 21%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
