Ian Watkins murder suspect refuses court video link

Former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins (South Wales Police/PA) South Wales Police

One of two inmates accused of murdering former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins refused to attend his first Crown Court hearing via video link from prison. Rashid Gedel, 25, declined to participate remotely from HMP Wakefield on Tuesday, preferring to appear in person instead.

Samuel Dodsworth, 43, did appear via video link for the hearing at Leeds Crown Court. Both men face murder charges over the alleged attack on Watkins that occurred on Saturday morning at the West Yorkshire prison.

Prosecutor Tom Storey KC explained Gedel's absence to the court. "The reason for Rico Gedel's non-appearance this morning is said to be a refusal on his part to attend on the link. It appears he wanted to attend in person," he told the hearing.

Court proceedings

No bail applications were made during Tuesday's hearing. Both defendants were remanded in custody until their next appearance for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the same court.

Judge Guy Kearl, the Recorder of Leeds, set a provisional trial date of May 5. The trial is expected to take between two and three weeks to complete.

Police confirmed on Monday that Gedel self-defines as any other black background whilst Dodsworth self-defines as white British. Emergency services were called to HMP Wakefield following the alleged attack, but Watkins, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Background on Watkins

Watkins had been serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences when the alleged attack occurred. He was jailed in December 2013 with a further six years on licence after admitting a string of sex offences, including the attempted rape of a fan's baby.

The disgraced singer was arrested following the execution of a drugs warrant at his Pontypridd home in September 2012. Police seized numerous computers, mobile phones and storage devices, with analysis of the equipment uncovering his criminal behaviour.

Previous prison incidents

Watkins had faced several incidents during his imprisonment. In 2023, he was taken to hospital after being attacked, though his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

In 2019, he received an additional 10-month sentence for possessing a mobile phone in prison. Watkins claimed two inmates forced him to hold the device so they could contact women who sent him fan mail.

In 2014, Watkins was told he could not appeal against the length of his 29-year jail term. The former rock star had been serving his sentence at HMP Wakefield when Saturday's alleged incident occurred.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.