Two inmates charged with murder of Ian Watkins at Wakefield prison

Two inmates have been charged with the murder of former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins after the 48-year-old was found fatally injured at HMP Wakefield on Saturday morning, police and prison officials said. Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, were charged with murder and appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court on Monday before being remanded into custody to face further proceedings at Leeds Crown Court.

West Yorkshire Police said officers were called to HMP Wakefield at 9.39 a.m. on Saturday following reports of a serious assault on a prisoner. Emergency services attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team have launched an investigation and inquiries remain ongoing. A Prison Service spokesperson said the service was aware of the incident but could not comment further while the police inquiry continues.

Gedel and Dodsworth were produced separately at the magistrates hearing. Both confirmed their names and dates of birth but made no pleas. District Judge Anthony Dunne remanded them in custody and directed their cases be sent to the Crown Court. At a Crown Court mention hearing on Tuesday, Dodsworth appeared by...