A court was told that a prisoner accused of killing Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins showed a “smug” and “smirking” demeanor after the alleged attack. Watkins was fatally stabbed in his cell at high-security HMP Wakefield on October 11 last year, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offenses.
The accused, Rico Gedel, 25, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction about being transferred to a different wing the day before the attack. Allegedly, Gedel, along with fellow inmate Samuel Dodsworth, 44, denies the charges of murder and possession of a homemade knife in prison.
Witnesses from the prison staff testified that Gedel appeared pleased and smirked after the incident. They described how Gedel had resisted the wing change and had made threats about taking actions to avoid it, leading up to the fatal stabbing of Watkins.
During a search of Gedel’s cell post-incident, officers recounted his nonchalant behavior and remarks. Gedel was observed laughing and making comments like “I hope he sleeps,” showcasing a lack of remorse or concern for the situation.
The trial is ongoing, with Gedel and Dodsworth both maintaining their denial of the murder and weapon possession charges. Watkins had been sentenced in 2013 to 29 years in prison, with an additional six years on license, for various sexual offenses.