Ian Huntley, the convicted murderer of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, has been placed in a medically induced coma following a brutal attack in prison. The 50-year-old was allegedly bludgeoned 15 times with a spiked metal pole while working in a workshop at HMP Frankland in County Durham. He has been given just a five percent chance of survival.
Sources have described the attack as 'unbelievably savage', with Huntley reportedly bent over when he was first struck. The suspect is believed to be triple murderer Anthony Russell, who allegedly said 'I've killed him' as he was led away. Inmates had reportedly discussed the attack the night before.
Medics 'worked miracles' to save Huntley, who was initially presumed dead after being found in a pool of blood. He was placed in an induced coma to stabilise him and was transported by road due to the risk of complications during air evacuation. Two armed officers are guarding him around the clock at the hospital.
Huntley's mother, Lynda, made a secret visit to his bedside and reportedly did not recognise him due to the extent of his injuries, which include brain damage, skull fractures and a broken jaw. Sources claim she now believes it might be better if he did not survive.
Reports on Friday night indicated that medics had withdrawn the ventilator keeping him alive after brain tests showed he was in a vegetative state and blind. A source said: 'This is it, this is the end of Huntley. He is effectively dead.'
While an induced coma may sound peaceful, those who have experienced it describe it as terrifying. British TV presenter Richard Bacon, who spent 11 nights in an induced coma in 2018, reported paralysis, hallucinations and the violence of being brought back to consciousness.
