Prisoner accused of Lostprophets singer’s murder boasted to guards about fame, court told

Prosecution says Rico Gedel attacked Ian Watkins in HMP Wakefield then handed homemade knife to Samuel Dodsworth

A prisoner accused of murdering the disgraced former Lostprophets singer told guards they “could be talking to someone famous” after stabbing Ian Watkins in the head and neck with a homemade knife, a court has heard.

Rico Gedel carried out the attack on Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences, in his cell at HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison, on 11 October, Leeds crown court heard.

Gedel, 25, then handed the makeshift weapon to fellow prisoner Samuel Dodsworth, who disposed of it, the prosecutor told the jury at the opening of the prisoners’ murder trial.

The attack, carried out moments after Watkins’ cell door had been opened that morning, lasted about 20 seconds, with 44-year-old Dodsworth acting as a lookout, said Tom Storey KC.