Ian Huntley, the convicted Soham murderer, was living in a state of heightened paranoia about his food, convinced he was a target for poisoning by fellow inmates, before suffering a brutal attack with a metal bar in prison earlier this week. According to exclusive sources, Huntley "knew he was a target" at HMP Frankland, leading him to meticulously monitor his diet out of fear for his safety.
Paranoia Over Food and Poisoning Fears
The 52-year-old inmate had completely abandoned prison meals, suspecting that other prisoners were "out to get him" by tampering with his food. Instead, he relied on fast food and confectionery purchased from the prison shop, resulting in significant weight gain. A source revealed, "He has been living on a diet of things like cheesy Wotsits. He would not eat the prison food because he was convinced an inmate would poison him. So he bought snack food from the shop so he knew exactly what he was eating."
Violent Attack in Prison Workshop
On Thursday morning, Huntley was assaulted in a workshop at HMP Frankland, where an inmate battered him around the head with a heavy metal bar. He was left lying in a pool of blood, and his condition remains serious as he fights for his life in hospital. Durham Police confirmed there has been no change in his status overnight, stating he is still in a serious condition.
While police and prison authorities have not officially identified the suspect, reports name triple killer Anthony Russell as the alleged attacker. This incident marks the third time Huntley has been assaulted while incarcerated, adding to previous attacks at HMP Wakefield, where he was scalded with boiling water in 2005, and a slashing incident at Frankland in 2010 that required 21 stitches.
Isolation and Security Measures
Huntley, who is serving a minimum 40-year life sentence for the murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, has become an increasingly isolated figure behind bars. To mitigate risks, he worked as a cleaner on A wing at Frankland, allowing staff to closely monitor him. He is held in a segregated area alongside other inmates at risk of attack, described by insiders as "a prison within a prison."
Despite these precautions, the attacker struck "when it was least expected," highlighting the ongoing dangers in high-security facilities. The source added, "Huntley's wing is like a prison within a prison. Some inmates there convert to Islam because the food is meant to be better. They also think the regime allows more time out of the cell to pray. They say the food is like having a takeaway."
Background of the Soham Murders
Huntley was convicted in December 2003 following a trial at the Old Bailey for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who disappeared after leaving a family barbecue in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4, 2002. He dumped their bodies in a ditch and later fell under suspicion after giving media interviews about the police investigation. His girlfriend, Maxine Carr, a teaching assistant at the girls' primary school, was jailed in 2003 for conspiring to pervert the course of justice and was later freed with a new identity in May 2004.
After his arrest, it emerged that Huntley had been able to work with children despite facing previous rape and sexual assault complaints in Humberside, leading to a subsequent inquiry and enhanced criminal checks for those working with children. Over the years, Huntley's appearance has changed dramatically; the source noted, "He does not look like the man we saw on TV all those years ago. He is much, much heavier, his weight has ballooned because of his diet."
In addition to the assaults, Huntley has twice attempted suicide, including a failed bid in 2005 at HMP Wakefield. The recent attack underscores the volatile environment in prisons and the persistent threats faced by high-profile inmates like Huntley, who remain targets despite stringent security measures.
