Rico Giedel allegedly stabbed former Welsh singer Ian Watkins to death at HMP Wakefield with a homemade blade, bragging about his “fame” afterwards. Prosecutors allege that Guedel and Samuel Dodsworth planned the attack, with CCTV showing Guedel entering Watkins’ cell shortly before the stabbing. Watkins, who is serving a prison sentence for child sex offences, has faced previous threats.
Jurors at Leeds Crown Court were told that Rico Giedel, accused of murdering former Welsh singer-songwriter Ian Watkins inside HMP Wakefield, had been bragging about his “fame” after the deadly prison attack.According to the prosecution, Gedel stabbed Watkins with a homemade blade inside a high-security men’s prison cell on October 11, leaving him with serious injuries to his head and neck. Medical staff attempted to save Watkins after prison officers discovered blood on his clothing and rushed to the scene.Prosecutor Tom Storey KC told jurors that Giedel launched the attack shortly after prisoners on B Wing were released from their cells at around 9am.
CCTV footage played in court allegedly showed Gedel entering Watkins’ cell and leaving approximately 20 seconds later.The prosecution alleges that Gedel later handed the improvised weapon to fellow inmate Samuel Dodsworth, who allegedly hid it under his clothes. Prosecutors say the two planned the attack together, although Geidel is accused of carrying out the stabbing himself. The two men face charges of murder and possession of a weapon in prison.
Jurors were also told that Gedel appeared “jovial” after his arrest. According to the prosecution, he told the prison officers who were escorting him away that they “could talk to a famous person.” Storey also alleged that Giedel shouted, “Have a good night, Watkins boy,” as he passed the area where paramedics were trying to save the victim.Watkins was serving a 29-year prison sentence for child sex crimes at the time of his death.
Prosecutors described him as a high-profile prisoner who had previously faced threats from other prisoners. The court also heard claims that Giedel resented what he believed was preferential treatment of sex offenders in prison.Witnesses described the chaotic scenes that followed the attack. Two maintenance workers reportedly saw Watkins briefly emerge from his cell wearing a blood-stained shirt before prison staff intervened.
Officers attempted to administer first aid, including applying pressure to a deep wound on his neck, while medical assistance was called.Watkins later collapsed on his bed and lost consciousness. Paramedics performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead shortly after 10.15am.The prosecution also told the court that Giedel was transferred to the same prison wing as Watkins and Dodsworth the day before the murder and was placed in the cell next to Watkins before the incident.
