The jury in the trial of two prisoners accused of murdering disgraced singer and paedophile Ian Watkins has been discharged due to legal reasons, necessitating a retrial. Watkins, 48, was stabbed to death in his cell at HMP Wakefield in October 2025 by fellow inmate Rico Gedel, 25, who was serving time for unrelated offences. The high-security prison housed Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences, including the attempted rape of a fan's baby.
Details of the Incident
Leeds Crown Court heard that after the attack, Gedel exited the cell and handed the makeshift knife to Samuel Dodsworth, 44, who then disposed of it in a bin. Both defendants have denied charges of murder and possession of a knife in prison. The prosecution argued that Dodsworth was complicit in the murder, as he was aware of the planned attack and assisted by disposing of the weapon.
Judge's Decision
On Friday, Mr Justice Hilliard discharged the jury, expressing reluctance: "Very reluctantly, I'm going to discharge you and the case will have to be re-tried. That's disappointing for you and for everyone." The reasons for the discharge were not disclosed in open court, but the judge emphasized the necessity of a fair trial.
Defendants' Statements
Gedel testified that he harboured strong animosity towards sex offenders at Wakefield and had previously threatened to harm paedophiles if not transferred. He claimed he chose Watkins primarily due to proximity, as they were placed in adjacent cells the night before the attack. Gedel admitted that "part of him" wanted to kill Watkins, but another part did not, stating: "Sometimes what your heart wants is not what your brain wants."
Dodsworth, who is serving a sentence for rape, maintained his innocence, asserting he played no role in the attack and was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. He explained that Gedel handed him the knife after emerging from Watkins' cell, and he attempted to return it but panicked upon seeing Watkins injured, ultimately throwing it away.
Background on Ian Watkins
Watkins, former lead singer of the band Lostprophets, was sentenced in December 2013 to 29 years in prison, with an additional six years on licence, after pleading guilty to multiple child sexual offences. His crimes included the attempted rape of a baby, which drew widespread condemnation.
Next Steps
The case will now proceed to a retrial, with a new jury to be selected. The court has not yet set a date for the new proceedings. Both defendants remain in custody pending the retrial.
