Overview
- Leeds Crown Court heard that Rashid 'Rico' Gedel refused to leave his HMP Long Lartin cell and would not join the scheduled video‑link hearing.
- A prison officer said staff tried multiple times to secure his attendance, and his lawyer told the court he wants to appear in person.
- Judge Guy Kearl KC directed that Gedel be produced in court to enter a plea on February 9, with his counsel indicating a not guilty plea is expected.
- Co‑defendant Samuel Dodsworth pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing, and a two‑week trial is listed to begin on May 2.
- Both men are charged with murdering former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins, who died after being stabbed at HMP Wakefield on October 11.