A Leeds Crown Court jury has heard disturbing evidence from the prison attack that ended the life of former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins inside HMP Wakefield. Prosecutors said inmate Rico Gedel, 25, entered Watkins’ cell and attacked him with a homemade weapon in a fast incident lasting around 20 seconds. The court was told Gedel later made a chilling remark as officers escorted him past the cell, saying, “Have a good night’s sleep, Watkins lad.” Gedel and co-defendant Samuel Dodsworth deny the charges against them.
Court Hears Details of 20-Second Cell Attack
Prosecutors told the jury that Watkins was inside his cell on B wing at HMP Wakefield on October 11 when Gedel allegedly entered after cells were unlocked in the morning.
The court heard Gedel used a homemade bladed weapon and attacked Watkins in the head and neck area. Watkins later came out of the cell injured before collapsing, while prison staff rushed to respond.
The prosecution described the incident as short, sudden, and planned. The jury was told the attack lasted around 20 seconds.
Although Watkins’ crimes made him one of the UK’s most notorious prisoners, prosecutor Tom Storey KC told the court that inmates cannot take the law into their own hands.
Inmate Allegedly Made Chilling Remark
One of the most discussed details from the hearing was the remark Gedel allegedly made after the attack.
The jury heard that as officers escorted Gedel past Watkins’ open cell door, he said: “Have a good night’s sleep, Watkins lad.”
Prosecutors said prison officers later described Gedel as calm, smug, and unremorseful after the incident.
The court also heard claims that Gedel spoke about possibly becoming “famous” because of what had happened and allegedly said that if he was going to receive a life sentence, he wanted it to be “worth it.”
Samuel Dodsworth Accused of Acting as Lookout
The prosecution has also accused Samuel Dodsworth, 44, of helping Gedel by acting as a lookout and later disposing of the weapon. Dodsworth denies involvement.
The jury was told Gedel allegedly handed the weapon to Dodsworth after the attack, and prosecutors described the case as a joint offence.
Dodsworth’s defence is expected to challenge that version of events as the trial continues.
Both men deny murder and possession of a weapon.
Watkins Had Received Threatening Notes
The court heard that Watkins had received two threatening notes the day before the attack. Prosecutors said the notes accused him of getting another prisoner removed from the wing, demanded money, and warned of violence.
It remains unclear whether those notes directly led to the attack, but the prosecution said grudges, threats, and accusations of “snitching” can carry serious consequences inside prison.
Gedel had reportedly been moved onto the same wing only the day before the incident and placed in a nearby cell.
That timing has become part of the prosecution’s wider case.
Why Ian Watkins Was in Prison
Ian Watkins was the former frontman of Welsh rock band Lostprophets. He was serving a long prison sentence after being convicted of extremely serious offences involving children.
His case shocked the UK music industry and led to the end of Lostprophets as a band.
Because of the nature of his convictions, Watkins was considered one of the most high-profile and reviled prisoners in the UK prison system.
However, the trial is focused on whether Gedel and Dodsworth unlawfully carried out a planned attack inside HMP Wakefield.
HMP Wakefield Security Questions
The case has also raised questions about safety inside HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison that holds some of the country’s most serious offenders.
Prison violence, cell placement, access to homemade weapons, and how vulnerable or notorious prisoners are managed may all come under renewed scrutiny.
The trial has already heard that Watkins was a particularly high-profile inmate, which may have made him a target.
Questions may now be asked about how the alleged weapon was made, how the attack happened so quickly, and whether warning signs were missed.
Trial Still Ongoing
The case is still being heard at Leeds Crown Court, and the defendants deny the charges.
That means the allegations presented by prosecutors have not yet been proven in court. The jury will need to consider the evidence, witness testimony, prison footage, and each defendant’s role before reaching a verdict.
Because the trial is active, reporting must remain careful and focused on what has been said in court.
Key Takeaways
- Leeds Crown Court heard evidence about the prison attack on former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins.
- Prosecutors say Rico Gedel entered Watkins’ cell and attacked him with a homemade weapon in around 20 seconds.
- The court heard Gedel later said: “Have a good night’s sleep, Watkins lad.”
- Samuel Dodsworth is accused of acting as a lookout and helping dispose of the weapon.
- Both defendants deny the charges against them.
- Watkins had received threatening notes the day before the attack.
- The trial is ongoing, and the jury has not yet reached a verdict.
The case has brought renewed attention to prison safety, high-profile inmates, and how quickly violence can unfold behind prison doors.