AN inmate accused of murdering disgraced Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has refused to leave his cell, a court has heard. He is, however, expected to deny the charge.
Rashid Gedel, 25, referred to in court as Rico Gedel, was due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Monday for a case management hearing. A prison officer informed Judge Guy Kearl KC that Gedel had declined to join the hearing via videolink.
Defending, Peter Moulson KC told the court: “I apprehend a not guilty plea will be entered in due course.” He added that Gedel wished to attend court in person rather than remotely.
Watkins, from Pontypridd, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years in December 2013 after admitting a series of child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a fan’s baby. He was pronounced dead at HMP Wakefield on 11 October.
An inquest heard that the 48-year-old had sustained a stab wound to the neck. Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, are both charged with his murder. Dodsworth previously pleaded not guilty, and a trial has been scheduled to begin on 2 May.
Judge Kearl, the Recorder of Leeds, said Gedel would be brought from prison to formally enter his plea on 9 February.
Watkins’ death was the first of two alleged murders at HMP Wakefield within a month. On 5 November, Kyle Bevan, 33, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of his partner’s two-year-old daughter Lola James in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in 2020, was found dead in his cell. Three men have been charged in connection with his death.
