Notorious Soham child killer Ian Huntley made a critical decision behind bars that ultimately left him vulnerable to a near-fatal assault, according to prison sources. The 52-year-old, who murdered ten-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, remains in a serious condition after being attacked with a metal pole in a prison workshop, with medical staff initially giving him just a five per cent chance of survival.
Weight Gain and Increased Exposure
Huntley reportedly put a target on his back after he began to gain significant weight while incarcerated at HMP Frankland. Sources indicate that the killer became paranoid his prison meals were being poisoned, leading him to avoid regular food and instead snack excessively on crisps. This dietary shift resulted in substantial weight gain, prompting prison authorities to implement a strict diet and exercise regime for him.
The new fitness schedule required Huntley to work out with a personal trainer and attend frequent sessions at the prison gym, as well as visits to the healthcare wing. This meant he was leaving his cell more often and moving around the prison estate with greater frequency, which dramatically increased his visibility to other inmates.
A Fateful Decision
An unnamed source told The Daily Mail that Huntley's best strategy for safety had always been to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention. However, the source explained, "Last year he put himself in a position where he drew attention to himself. He had gained so much weight that a diet and exercise regime had to be worked out for him which involved him having PT sessions to try to slim him down to a healthier size. More movement around the prison estate means more people notice you and in Huntley's case that's bad news."
The attack occurred on Thursday morning in a workshop within the Durham prison. Huntley was struck in the head with a metal pole and rushed to hospital in critical condition. In its latest update, Durham Constabulary stated on Saturday, "The 52-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious condition, there have been no changes overnight." Police are expected to issue another update later today.
Suspect Named as Triple Killer
The individual alleged to be behind the assault is triple killer Anthony Russell, aged 43. Reports suggest that Russell claimed "I've killed him" after Huntley was discovered lying in a pool of blood. Russell was convicted in 2022 for the murder of Julie Williams, her son David, and the rape and murder of Nicole McGregor, who was pregnant at the time, in 2020. He received a whole-life order for these crimes.
Officers are continuing their investigations into the attack on Huntley and have not yet formally confirmed Russell's identity as the suspect. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers and complex dynamics within high-security prisons, particularly for inmates with high-profile convictions like Huntley.
