Two men have been arrested and charged with the murder of former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins, a convicted child sexual abuse offender, in prison.
Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, appeared before Judge Dunne at Leeds magistrates court on Monday, as reported by The Guardian.
Both men have been remanded in custody and are expected to appear in Leeds crown court on Tuesday, with Judge Dunne informing Dodsworth, “the charge against you means this case has to be sent to the crown court as soon as possible.”
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Watkins was serving a 29-year sentence at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England, for multiple sex offenses and pedophilia crimes, including engaging in sex with minors. He had been imprisoned since 2013. Per The Guardian, HMP Wakefield houses violent and dangerous criminals, with a report of the prison finding that serious assaults there had increased by 72% since its last inspection in 2022.
According to BBC News, Watkins was attacked with a knife, and pronounced dead at the scene.
Watkins was previously attacked while incarcerated in 2023, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
Lostprophets were best known for their No. 1 alternative rock single “Last Train Home.” The band broke up upon Watkins’ arrest and conviction, with the other members going on to form the band No Devotion with Thursday singer Geoff Rickly.