Ian Watkins Received Threatening Letters Before Death
A court heard that former rock singer and convicted paedophile Ian Watkins was bullied for money and threatened in prison just days before his death.
At Leeds Crown Court, the jury was told Watkins received letters demanding he pay £500 or face having his "head split open."
Watkins, the former lead vocalist of Lostprophets, died after being strangled in his cell at Wakefield Prison on 11 October last year.
Rico Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 44, deny murder and possession of an offensive weapon in prison.
The trial of Rico Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth began at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.
Watkins was serving a 29-year sentence for a series of sexual offences against children, including an attempted rape of a baby.
Prison officer Simon Rothwell stated that Watkins was considered a "vulnerable" inmate because other prisoners knew he had money.
"He was a high-profile prisoner as he was quite well known before he was convicted."
In a statement read to the court, the officer said he had worked in Watkins’ wing for about 10 years.
"I developed a good relationship with Watkins – he seemed to have developed trust in me.
"Watkins has always been vulnerable, being bullied for money because people are aware of his history and know he has money."
Clear Evidence of Murder Presented at Trial
Watkins reportedly told the officer on 10 October that he had received two "very threatening" letters.
The officer said he collected the letters and advised Watkins to remain in his cell over the weekend.
The court heard Watkins replied, "No, I think I’ll be alright."
Following the conversation, the officer informed staff of Watkins’ "concerns" and to keep an eye on him.
"Covered in Blood" at Scene
The prosecutor read the contents of one letter threatening to attack Watkins if he did not pay £500 by Saturday.
The second letter contained similar threats and called Watkins a "snitch."
The court also heard evidence from prison staff working on the day of the incident.
One witness said they saw blood drops on the floor before seeing Watkins holding his neck near his cell door.
They described seeing blood on the side of Watkins’ face and said he appeared to be in shock.
Another worker said Watkins was "covered in blood from his neck down."
Watkins was imprisoned in 2013 after admitting a series of sexual offences against children.
