Inmate charged with Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins’ homicide ‘refuses to go away cell’

An inmate charged with murdering disgraced Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has refused to leave his cell after being due to appear at court today (February 2) deny the offence, a court heard.

Watkins, 48, died in October last year after being assaulted at HMP Wakefield, where he had been serving a 29-year jail sentence for child sex offences.

Rashid Gedel, 25, referred to as Rico Gedel during the proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, was due to appear for a case management hearing via a prison videolink, but refused to attend.

Judge Guy Kearl KC was told by a prison officer that Gedel had refused to join the hearing over the link and was now not leaving his cell.

Peter Moulson KC, defending, said: “I apprehend a not guilty plea will be entered in due course.” Mr Moulson said he understood that Gedel had wanted to appear in court in person rather than over a link.

Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have both been charged with murdering Watkins at HMP Wakefield on October 11.

Watkins was pronounced dead at the maximum security jail.

Dodsworth pleaded not guilty at a previous hearing and a trial date of May 2 has been set.

Judge Kearl, who is the Recorder of Leeds, said Gedel will be brought from prison to formally enter his plea on February 9.

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