Two prisoners have been accused of murdering Ian Watkins, the notorious Lostprophets pedophile, while in prison. Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, who were incarcerated at HMP Wakefield, appeared in court at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today wearing distinctive “escape suits” and handcuffs.
Both Gedel and Dodsworth, dressed in eye-catching yellow and green ‘escape risk’ outfits and shackled, were flanked by five court security personnel during their brief individual appearances. Dodsworth confirmed his full name and birthdate and was informed that he would be appearing at Leeds Crown Court the following day. District Judge Anthony Dunne stated that due to the charge against Dodsworth, the case must swiftly proceed to the crown court, and he was remanded into custody until the next appearance.
Gedel, similarly attired in an HM Prison-branded escape suit and accompanied by a security guard, only confirmed his identity and birthdate. He, too, was remanded to appear at Leeds Crown Court the next day. No pleas were entered during the hearings, each lasting less than two minutes.
Ian Watkins was reportedly ambushed and stabbed by inmates while they were out of their cells. He had previously survived assaults by other prisoners.
Police have charged Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, both from HMP Wakefield, with murder following the death of Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield. Watkins, aged 48, was fatally assaulted on Saturday, with both men set to appear in court.
Ian Watkins was serving a 29-year sentence at HMP Wakefield for various sexual offenses, including crimes against children and infants.
The news of Watkins’ death did not elicit sympathy from his former girlfriend, Jo Mjadzelics, who exposed his disturbing actions. Jo Mjadzelics was the whistleblower who alerted authorities about Watkins’ illicit activities with children, despite being disregarded multiple times.
A report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) disclosed that warnings about Watkins being a dangerous pedophile were ignored by South Yorkshire Police officers, and South Wales Police missed numerous opportunities to apprehend him.
Jo Mjadzelics had a tumultuous relationship with Watkins starting in 2006 after he disclosed his dark fantasies to her on MySpace. She repeatedly attempted to alert authorities about his disturbing desires but was ignored until his eventual arrest in 2012.
Ian Watkins, a former rock star, achieved commercial success with Welsh rock band Lostprophets, releasing five studio albums and garnering international fame.