Ian Huntley's mother has reportedly expressed a desire for her son to die after he was brutally attacked in prison. The 52-year-old child killer remains in a serious condition following an assault at HMP Frankland in County Durham on Thursday morning.
Lynda Richards, 71, drove 175 miles from her home in Lincolnshire to visit her son in hospital. According to a source, she told friends: 'Part of me hopes he passes away.' The source added that Richards 'just wants to be free of it' and 'can't be at peace until it's all over'.
Huntley, who murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2002, was attacked with a metal bar in a prison workshop. He suffered severe brain injuries and was reportedly given a 5% chance of survival. Durham Constabulary confirmed on Friday that his condition remains serious.
The suspect in the attack is believed to be triple killer Anthony Russell, though police have not officially confirmed his identity. Witnesses reported the assailant shouting 'I've killed him' as he was led away by prison staff.
Richards, who has remained close to her son despite his crimes, reportedly could not recognise him after the attack. A source said: 'He's been attacked on so many occasions and she now thinks it might be better if he didn't pull through.'
