Ian Watkins Dies at HMP Wakefield; Two Charged

Ian David Karslake Watkins, 48, the former Lostprophets frontman serving a 29-year sentence for multiple child sexual offences, was stabbed in the neck and died at HMP Wakefield on 11 October, an inquest opening at Wakefield Coroner’s Court heard. A post-mortem found the cause of death was an incision to the neck; paramedics attended, a doctor pronounced him dead at the scene, and he was formally identified by a prison officer, Coroner Oliver Longstaff said. Two inmates, Rashid Gedel (also referred to as Rico Gedel), 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have been charged with murder and are on remand awaiting trial, with a provisional trial date set for 5 May 2026. Two other men, aged 23 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and have been returned to prison while inquiries continue. The inquest has been adjourned and suspended pending the outcome of the criminal justice process but may be resumed if necessary. Watkins had previously been attacked at HMP Wakefield in 2023 when he was taken hostage and rushed to hospital, underscoring ongoing safety concerns at the facility.