The family of the prisoner suspected of brutally attacking Ian Huntley, leaving the notorious Soham child killer fighting for his life, have expressed no sympathy for his victim, declaring unequivocally that Huntley 'deserves a lot worse'. However, they have emphasised today that the alleged attacker, Anthony Russell, should not be glorified as a hero by anyone, asserting that he is 'as bad as each other' as Huntley.
No Sympathy for Ian Huntley
A close relative of Anthony Russell, speaking anonymously to the Daily Mail, stated: 'As far as we’re concerned, they’re as bad as each other.' The cousin elaborated, saying: 'Ian Huntley deserves a lot worse and like so many other people, we have no sympathy for him.' This sentiment reflects widespread public disdain for Huntley, who is serving a life sentence for murdering two ten-year-old girls in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2002, a crime that shocked the nation and made the market town infamous.
Anthony Russell's Crimes
Anthony Russell, 43, is currently serving a whole-life term for murdering three people during a week-long spree in Coventry in October 2020. He was convicted for the murders of Julie Williams, 58, her son David Williams, 32, and Nicole McGregor, 31, and also found guilty of raping Ms McGregor, who was five months pregnant at the time. Russell admitted to the murders and received a whole-life order, meaning he will never be released from prison.
The Alleged Attack at HMP Frankland
Russell is alleged to have ambushed Huntley inside a workshop at HMP Frankland in County Durham, leaving the 52-year-old with catastrophic head injuries. The incident has drawn significant media attention, given the notoriety of both individuals involved in the violent altercation.
Family Distances Themselves from Russell
The cousin revealed that most of the Coventry-based family have long distanced themselves from Russell due to the horrific nature of his crimes. 'Most of the family don't have a lot to do with Anthony and a lot of people around here know what he did,' the relative said. This distancing underscores the family's recognition of Russell's violent past and their desire to dissociate from his actions.
Russell's Temper and Motive
Regarding the motive behind the attack on Huntley, the relative speculated: 'We don't know what caused the fight with Huntley but knowing Anthony, it was probably a minor matter and he lost control because he felt insulted.' The cousin added: 'That's the kind of person he is - he’s always had a very bad temper and that’s not changed just because he’s in prison.' This insight into Russell's character suggests a pattern of volatile behaviour that persists even behind bars.
No Hero Status for Russell
Despite the lack of sympathy for Huntley, the family was clear in their message: Russell should not be seen as a hero. The cousin stated: 'But Anthony is no hero for doing this. He committed a very bad crime himself - that’s why he’s on the same prison wing as Huntley.' This statement highlights the family's view that both men are equally culpable for their heinous acts, and neither deserves admiration or praise.
The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the attack, shedding light on the complex dynamics within high-security prisons and the public's enduring outrage over crimes like those committed by Huntley and Russell.
