Ian Watkins allegedly forged a relationship with a fan while behind bars, and in his last letter, he wished her a happy birthday while expressing his hope that they could meet
Ian Watkins allegedly sent his secret fiancée a sick letter just days before he was killed in jail.
The paedophile rock star was pronounced dead after being attacked at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire last Saturday. The 48-year-old was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences. Two inmates – Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43 – were charged with Watkins’ murder.
It has now been claimed that while behind bars, Watkins forged a controlling relationship with a 30-year-old fan. The relationship was so controlling that Watkins allegedly proposed to the woman after telling her to buy an engagement ring, according to reports.
READ MORE: Chilling reasons Ian Watkins escaped justice as ex-girlfriend says ‘four years too late’
The day before Watkins was killed, a letter he had written was delivered to his fiancée, The Sun reported. According to the publication, the Lostprophets singer had written: “Duchess. Didn’t think I’d forget your birthday did you. They won’t keep us apart forever. Your Duke. IW.”
In another letter Watkins alleged sent Ellie, not her real name, he revealed details about a previous attempt to murder him in 2023, when he was held hostage for six hours by three inmates who stabbed him. He wrote that he “almost died” in the “crazy” incident, adding: “I had bleeds on the brain and have permanent spinal nerve damage. The weapon went in so far it hit my spine in my neck and scrambled all the nerves.”
But he claimed he was “still really hot” despite the incident. In another letter, Watkins allegedly foretold his death, saying: “I hate the weekends in here cause we are unlocked all day so you never know whatas going to happen. That s–t happens to me on a weekend, out of nowhere, so I always have that in the back of my head.”
Ellie, who is married, allegedly said Watkins had “a hold” over her and she “couldn’t ever drop the thought of him.” She also said he wished her a happy birthday in his last letter. Watkins, who met his fan backstage at a gig in January 2010, when she was 15 years old, allegedly spoke to Ellie over the phone most days.
On Tuesday both men accused of murdering Watkins were due to make their first appearance before a Crown Court judge. Dodsworth appeared via video link from HMP Wakefield, but Leeds Crown Court heard Gedel had refused to attend remotely.
Prosecutor Tom Storey KC said: “The reason for Rico Gedel’s non-appearance this morning is said to be a refusal on his part to attend on the link. It appears he wanted to attend in person.” No bail applications were made during the hearing, and both men were remanded in custody until their next appearance at the same court for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the same court.
Judge Guy Kearl, the Recorder of Leeds, set a provisional date of May 5 for the trial, which is expected to take two to three weeks. Watkins was jailed for 29 years in December 2013 with a further six years on licence, after admitting a string of sex offences – including the attempted rape of a fan’s baby.
The disgraced singer was arrested following the execution of a drugs warrant at his Pontypridd home on September 21 2012 when a large number of computers, mobile phones and storage devices were seized. Analysis of the equipment uncovered Watkins’ depraved behaviour.
