Ian Huntley's Attacker Reportedly Gains Prison 'Bragging Rights' Following Brutal Assault
The inmate suspected of brutally attacking Soham double child killer Ian Huntley is said to have gained significant "bragging rights" among fellow prisoners at HMP Frankland in Durham. Huntley, aged 52, remains in hospital with severe brain injuries and was given just a five per cent chance of survival after the assault.
Details of the Attack and Huntley's Condition
Ian Huntley, who murdered 10-year-old girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, was battered around the head with a metal bar during a workshop session at the high-security prison. The attack occurred on Thursday morning, leaving Huntley in a pool of blood and requiring immediate hospitalisation.
Durham Constabulary confirmed there has been no change in Huntley's serious condition overnight, with the 52-year-old man remaining under intensive care. A prison source revealed to The Mirror that the attacker is being praised by other inmates, despite the grim nature of the incident.
Prison Dynamics and Suspect Identification
The source explained the complex prison hierarchy, stating, "I mean, it might be like, he might have bragging rights to say 'oh, I done in Huntley', but he's still who he is. You know, he's no better than him, really. And he's surrounded by other prisoners just like him who are no better that him as well."
While police and prison authorities have not officially confirmed the attacker's identity, triple killer Anthony Russell is named as the top suspect. This development follows previous reports that Huntley had been paranoid about being targeted, with sources indicating he feared poisoning and knew he was at risk.
Family Response and Historical Context
Huntley's mother, Lynda Richards, aged 71, drove 175 miles from her Lincolnshire home to be with her son following the attack. Sources claim she told friends she "just wants to be free of it," highlighting the ongoing emotional toll of her son's crimes and current predicament.
Ian Huntley, a former school caretaker, is serving a life sentence for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. The girls were killed on August 4, 2002, after leaving a family barbecue in Soham, Cambridgeshire, to buy sweets. The case remains one of Britain's most notorious child murder investigations.
Ongoing Investigation and Prison Security
The attack raises serious questions about security at HMP Frankland, a Category A prison housing some of the country's most dangerous offenders. Authorities are investigating how the metal bar was obtained and used during the workshop session, with implications for future safety protocols.
As Huntley clings to life with minimal survival odds, the prison community's reaction underscores the complex moral landscape within high-security facilities, where violent acts can paradoxically elevate an inmate's status among peers.
