The mother of Soham double murderer Ian Huntley has reportedly made a secret visit to see her son in hospital after he was brutally attacked in prison, telling friends that part of her hopes he does not survive. Huntley remains in a serious condition following the assault by a fellow inmate at HMP Frankland, where he was struck around the head with a metal bar during a workshop session.
Details of the Prison Attack and Hospitalisation
Ian Huntley, the convicted killer of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, was rushed to hospital with severe brain injuries after the attack on Thursday morning. Medical sources have indicated that he was given only a 5% chance of surviving the injuries sustained in the violent incident. The attack occurred at HMP Frankland, a high-security prison where Huntley is serving a life sentence for the murders of the two schoolgirls, who were killed after leaving a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire.
Mother's Emotional Visit and Statements
Lynda Richards, Huntley's 71-year-old mother, drove 175 miles from her home in Lincolnshire to be with her son in hospital. According to a source, she was escorted to the hospital wing by a Prison Service staff member, while armed police guarded Huntley. The source claimed that Richards later told friends she "just wants to be free of it" and that part of her hopes he passes away, as she finds it extraordinarily difficult to come to terms with the ongoing situation.
The source added that Richards could not recognise her own son when she saw him after the brutal attack, highlighting the severity of his injuries. Despite the horrific nature of his crimes, she has remained very close to him, but the repeated attacks in prison have led her to believe it might be better if he did not pull through this time. Richards reportedly spoke to Huntley just two days before the attack and expressed that she cannot be at peace until it is all over, implying that his death might bring closure.
Police Updates and Suspect Information
Durham Constabulary issued an update on Huntley's condition, stating that there has been no change overnight and he remains in hospital in a serious condition. The primary suspect in the prison attack has been named as triple killer Anthony Russell, although police and prison authorities have not officially confirmed his identity. It is reported that the suspect yelled "I've killed him" as prison staff led him away from the scene.
Huntley's Paranoia and Prison Life
Prior to the attack, sources revealed to The Mirror that Huntley was aware he was a target in prison and had been paranoid about being poisoned. He reportedly took precautions with his food due to fears for his safety, indicating the high-risk environment he faced as a notorious inmate. This latest incident underscores the ongoing dangers and tensions within the prison system, particularly for high-profile offenders like Huntley.
The case continues to draw public attention, not only due to the heinous nature of the original crimes but also because of the subsequent events in Huntley's incarceration. The emotional turmoil for his family, especially his mother, adds a complex layer to the story, as she grapples with the legacy of his actions and the violent realities of his prison life.
