Soham Murderer Ian Huntley Removed from Life Support After Prison Assault
Ian Huntley, the convicted Soham murderer, has reportedly been taken off life support following a brutal prison attack that left him with severe brain trauma. The 52-year-old former school caretaker was assaulted at HMP Frankland in Durham on 26 February, according to initial reports from The Sun newspaper.
Severe Injuries and Medical Decision
Huntley suffered catastrophic injuries during the assault, including blindness and irreversible brain damage, after being beaten over the head with a makeshift weapon. Medical tests confirmed he was in a vegetative state, leading to the decision to withdraw life support after consultations with his mother, Lynda Richards. A source quoted by The Sun stated, "This is it, this is the end of Huntley. He is effectively dead and, at the best, is drawing his last breaths."
Background of the Soham Murders
Huntley was convicted in December 2003 for the murders of 10-year-old schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2002. The girls were killed after leaving a family barbecue to buy sweets. Huntley received a life sentence with a minimum 40-year tariff, serving his time in high-security prisons.
Details of the Prison Attack
The assault occurred in the recycling area of HMP Frankland, where fellow inmate Anthony Russell, 43, a convicted murderer and rapist, allegedly shouted "I've done it, I've done it" afterward. Durham Constabulary detained a man in his mid-40s in connection with the attack but has not officially named the suspect.
History of Previous Attacks
This incident marks the latest in a series of attempts on Huntley's life while incarcerated. In 2005, an inmate threw boiling water over him at Wakefield prison in West Yorkshire. In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed his neck with a homemade weapon, causing a severe 7-inch wound that required 21 stitches. Despite being under close observation to prevent such attacks, Huntley had faced multiple assaults over the years.
Family Reactions and Statements
Huntley's daughter, Samantha Bryan, 27, expressed relief upon hearing the news, telling The Sun on Sunday, "I started crying because I thought he was dead - it was an overwhelming sense of relief. Being his daughter has been a heavy burden. It felt like I could breathe again. I felt if he died, that burden died with him." She added, "There's a special place in hell waiting for him."
Ongoing Investigations and Official Response
The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment regarding the incident and Huntley's condition. Prison authorities are likely reviewing security measures at HMP Frankland in light of this attack, which underscores ongoing challenges in managing high-profile inmates within the penal system.
