Ian Huntley's Final Prison Letter Reveals Safety Fears Before Fatal Attack
In a shocking development, Ian Huntley, the notorious Soham double murderer, sent a convivial final letter to a mystery woman just eight days before he was fatally attacked in prison. The letter, obtained by the Sun, details Huntley's fears for both his own safety and that of the unidentified woman from behind the bars of HMP Frankland.
The Final Correspondence
Huntley, aged 52 and serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, wrote the letter as prisoner A5274AE. He had been in correspondence with the mystery woman since October 2025. In the letter, Huntley starts by apologising, stating he had "a lot to deal with lately" and hated "writing letters at the best of times."
He then reveals his decision to cut ties, writing: "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 thanks her for a birthday card but adds: "You’re a lovely person and I don’t want you placed in harm’s way due to your affiliation with me."
History of Prison Violence
Huntley's reference to having "a lot to deal with lately" is believed to hint at ongoing threats from other inmates. He had survived multiple attempts on his life since his imprisonment, including a 2010 incident where psychopathic murderer Damien Fowkes slashed his throat, requiring 21 stitches. Previously, in 2005, a fellow inmate at HMP Wakefield scalded him with boiling water, leading to his transfer to Frankland.
Additionally, Huntley twice attempted suicide in 2003 before his trial and again in 2006 while at HMP Wakefield. These incidents underscore the dangerous environment he faced throughout his incarceration.
The Fatal Attack
Just eight days after sending the letter, Huntley was attacked on February 26 in Frankland's recycling workshop. Allegedly, triple killer Anthony Russell, 36, struck him as many as 15 times with a makeshift weapon as Huntley bent down to tie string to a crate. Russell reportedly yelled: "I’ve done it! I’ve killed him!"
Huntley sustained significant head trauma and was placed on life support in hospital, where he died on Saturday. The attack highlights the volatile nature of high-security prisons and the ongoing risks faced by notorious inmates.
Conclusion of the Letter
In his final words to the mystery woman, Huntley concludes: "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." This poignant ending adds a layer of humanity to the otherwise grim narrative, contrasting with his heinous crimes.
The letter serves as a chilling premonition of the violence to come, revealing Huntley's awareness of the dangers surrounding him. It also raises questions about prison safety protocols and the management of high-profile prisoners in the UK's correctional system.
