Two inmates have been charged with the murder of notorious paedophile and former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins, who was fatally stabbed inside HMP Wakefield.
Shock Murder Behind Bars
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that two men, aged 43 and 25, face murder charges following the fatal assault on Watkins at the maximum-security prison on Saturday 11 October.
Watkins, 48, was found with a severe neck wound and pronounced dead at the scene after being stabbed shortly after inmates were unlocked from their cells that morning.
The Accused
Charged with murder are Rashid Gedel, 25, who describes himself as “any other black background,” and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, who identifies as White British. Both men are inmates at HMP Wakefield and are due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
Dangerous Prison Life
Watkins was held on a wing with general prisoners — including killers, gangsters and drug dealers — rather than in a separate sex offender unit. Sources say he repeatedly paid others for protection while inside, but it wasn’t enough to save him this time.
“Watkins was known for paying for his security in jail. He was getting rinsed,” a source told The Sun. “Someone threatened him and demanded money saying, ‘Give me cash and I’ll protect you.’ We don’t know why that person then turned on him and slit his neck.” “He was getting no special protection. It put him in extreme danger. It was almost as if he knew his time was up.”
History of Crimes and Prison Violence
Watkins was serving a lengthy jail term since 2013 for trying to rape a fan’s baby daughter and other horrific child sex offences. His convictions included multiple counts of attempted rape and sexual assault of children under 13, as well as possession of indecent images.
He had previously been stabbed in the prison in 2023, with reports indicating he was once taken hostage by other inmates — a sign of the perilous environment behind bars.
Police continue to investigate. The prison service has declined to comment further due to the ongoing inquiry.
