Ian Huntley, the Soham murderer, is suing the prison service for nearly £100,000 after he was attacked with a razor blade by another inmate, it emerged last night. The former school caretaker, serving life for the 2002 murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, was assaulted at Frankland Prison in County Durham on 21 March.
Huntley claims his throat was slashed by Damien Fowkes, who is serving life for knifepoint robbery. He is demanding £20,000 for his injuries and £60,000 in punitive damages, with a further claim of up to £15,000 through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that Huntley is taking legal action, alleging that the prison service failed in its duty of care towards him. A spokesman said: 'Ian Huntley is bringing a claim against the Ministry of Justice following an assault by another prisoner. The claim is currently being vigorously defended.'
Huntley bases his case on his high-profile status and previous attacks by other inmates. Despite spending much of his sentence in solitary confinement, he has been attacked numerous times since his conviction in 2003, including having boiling water thrown over him and narrowly escaping a stabbing.
Earlier this year, then justice secretary Jack Straw said the government had 'absolutely no intention' of paying compensation to Huntley over the attack.
