Ian Huntley, the Soham murderer, sent a final letter to a female pen pal just eight days before he was brutally attacked in prison. The 52-year-old, who was serving a life sentence for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, wrote the letter on February 18, hinting at fears he was about to be targeted.
In the letter, Huntley told his pen pal: “Sorry for not writing sooner but I’ve had a lot to deal with lately. I hate writing letters at the best of times.” He added: “I’ve had to do some thinking. For your safety I’ve decided to discard everything you’ve sent and not proceed with having you cleared for calls and visits.”
Huntley, prisoner A5274AE, ended the note by saying: “You’re a lovely person and I don’t want you placed in harm’s way due to your affiliation with me. Believe me when I say I have given this a great deal of thought and firmly believe it to be for the best. I hope all is well your end. Best wishes Ian.”
The child killer was attacked at HMP Frankland on February 26, suffering skull fractures, brain damage and a broken jaw. He was placed in a medically induced coma and died on March 7 after his mother agreed to withdraw life support.
This was not the first time Huntley had been targeted in prison. In 2005, he was scalded with boiling water at HMP Wakefield, and in 2010, he suffered a slash wound to the throat at HMP Frankland from a makeshift weapon.
