A correctional officer revealed that a nurse reacted with distress upon witnessing Ian Watkins’ injuries and the singer subsequently choked on his own blood following an assault in prison.
Rico Gedel, also known as Rashid, aged 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, aged 43, stand accused of the murder of the former Lostprophets lead vocalist at HMP Wakefield on October 11, currently facing trial at Leeds Crown Court.
Watkins, 48, received a 29-year prison sentence in December 2013, with an additional six years on license, after confessing to multiple sex offenses, including an attempted rape involving a fan’s infant.
According to court testimony, prison staff rushed to aid Watkins post an alleged attack with a makeshift weapon, with a nurse present emitting a distressing sound at the sight of his injuries. Watkins then began choking on blood before suffering cardiac arrest and passing away.
The trial jurors have been informed that Watkins sustained three wounds from a makeshift knife during a brief 20-second assault. Footage depicting a bloodied Watkins exiting his cell has been released by West Yorkshire Police, following its presentation to jurors by prosecutor Tom Storey KC.
Both Gedel and Dodsworth have pleaded not guilty to murdering Watkins. Gedel is accused of perpetrating the assault, while Dodsworth is charged with keeping watch during the incident and disposing of the weapon in a nearby bin.
During the trial session on Friday, two correctional officers testified, with one recalling first noticing Watkins’ injuries while on the B wing landing.
He mentioned, “I observed Mr. Watkins emerging from his cell wearing a white T-shirt, with blood stains on the front. He appeared stationary, gazing in our direction along with two other officers. Subsequently, he attempted to re-enter his cell, prompting me to alert my colleagues, and all three of us proceeded to his cell.”
One of the officers assisted Watkins, while the others went to address Gedel, who was observed assaulting another inmate. After detaining Gedel, a strip search was conducted, and one officer maintained surveillance over him.
Representing Gedel, Peter Moulson KC inquired if the officer overheard Watkins making threatening statements towards anyone, which the officer denied. Another officer testified that he interacted with both Gedel and Watkins on the day of the incident.
Upon unlocking Gedel’s cell, they engaged in a brief exchange before proceeding to unlock other cells. Subsequently, Watkins’ cell was unlocked, and he was found drawing, engaging in a conversation with the officer.
Following the cell checks, the officer noticed Watkins still in his cell, occupied with drawing. Later, on the landing, the officer witnessed a gesture indicating harm towards Watkins, leading to the discovery of his severe injuries.
The officer then collaborated with colleagues to assist Watkins and detain Gedel. Watkins exhibited severe injuries, including lacerations to his ear, cheeks, and neck, but remained conscious and conversed with the officer.
Upon showing the nurse Watkins’ neck injury, she expressed shock, followed by Watkins deteriorating rapidly and succumbing to cardiac arrest despite resuscitation efforts.
The trial proceedings are ongoing.