On a cold October morning in a high-security prison, a convicted monster met his end in just 20 seconds. The blade struck his head and neck three times—fast, brutal, and deliberate.
Ian Watkins, the former frontman of Lostprophets, had been serving 29 years for horrifying child sex crimes. Behind bars, he was not safe. He was a target.
The attack happened inside HMP Wakefield, less than 20 minutes after cell doors opened for the day. Rico Gedel, 25, walked into Watkins' cell with a homemade knife and stabbed him without hesitation.
According to prosecutors, Gedel then handed the weapon to Samuel Dodsworth, 44, who tossed it into a bin. The entire assault lasted just 20 seconds. It was quick—and it was planned.
After the attack, Gedel was described as "perky." As guards led him past the cell where Watkins lay bleeding, he allegedly taunted, "Have a good night’s sleep, Watkins lad."
Later, Gedel told jail staff, "If I’ve killed him, you could be talking to someone famous." Both he and Dodsworth now deny murder and possession of a makeshift knife.
Watkins had received two threatening notes the day before he died. They accused him of getting another prisoner removed from the wing, demanded money, and promised violence. In prison, grudges fester—and "snitching" is unforgivable.
Gedel had only arrived on the same wing the previous day. Coincidentally, he was placed in the cell next to Watkins. The stage was set.
The next morning, Watkins chose to stay in his cell when the wing unlocked at 9am. At 9:20, Dodsworth entered Watkins' cell carrying a wrapped bundle—then left without it. CCTV captured the moment.
Gedel lingered by the railings. Dodsworth loitered near the stairs, acting as a lookout. Prosecutors say Gedel was waiting for the prison officers to look away, giving him the perfect opportunity to strike.
Watkins stumbled out of his cell moments later, blood visible on his T-shirt. Two maintenance workers saw him clutching his neck. They signaled for help.
Three prison officers rushed to his cell. When asked who attacked him, Watkins reportedly said, "That little Black fella." He then collapsed onto his bed and lost consciousness.
Paramedics could not revive him. He was pronounced dead just before 10:15am. All other prisoners were locked down. The trial continues.
