Ian Huntley Fighting for Life After Brutal Prison Assault
Ian Huntley, the notorious Soham killer, is currently fighting for his life following a violent attack at HMP Frankland in County Durham. The 52-year-old was allegedly targeted by another inmate at approximately 9 am on February 26, leaving him lying in a pool of blood. He was airlifted to hospital, marking another grim chapter in his prison existence. This incident underscores the perpetual danger Huntley faces behind bars, where he has endured multiple assaults and health crises since his incarceration.
The Soham Murders: A Chilling Crime
In August 2002, the disappearance of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman shocked the nation, leading to a massive police operation in Soham, Cambridgeshire. Huntley, a school caretaker who participated in the search and spoke to media, harboured a dark secret—he was their killer. The girls had left a family barbecue for sweets and were enticed into his home, where he murdered them and hid their bodies in an irrigation ditch near an RAF base. Their distinctive Manchester United shirts were later found, leading to Huntley's arrest and conviction for two counts of murder in December 2003, resulting in two life sentences with a minimum term of 40 years.
Prison Life: Attacks, Health Issues, and Behavioural Swings
Huntley's time in prison has been marked by numerous violent incidents and health struggles. In 2005, he was attacked with boiling water by mass murderer Mark Hobson at HMP Wakefield. In 2010, at HMP Frankland, his neck was slashed by armed robber Damien Fowkes, requiring hospital treatment. Beyond physical assaults, Huntley has faced mental health challenges, including a suicide attempt in 2003 that left him in a coma. A former prisoner revealed that Huntley exhibits extreme behavioural swings, alternating between arrogant dominance and pitiful self-pity, often mocking inmates or withdrawing into solitude.
Confrontations and Confinement
In 2017, Huntley had a disturbing confrontation with Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who branded him a "child killing b*****d" and ordered him away, highlighting the disdain even among notorious criminals. Huntley's privileges have been repeatedly revoked due to misconduct; in November 2019, he was placed in solitary confinement after swearing at an official and kicking a guard. This resulted in the loss of his painting job and a ban on his favourite fish and chip meals. An insider described him as "unrecognisable," appearing like a "skinny old man with no fight left."
Remorse and Reality
Despite maintaining during his trial that he killed the girls accidentally, leaked recordings from 2018 captured Huntley expressing genuine remorse. He apologised for betraying the Soham community and causing pain to the families, stating he has accepted he will never be released. Huntley spends his time watching television and playing video games, rarely engaging in group activities and often complaining about food. With parole eligibility not until 2042, his life remains confined to the harsh realities of prison, where safety is never guaranteed.
