Ian Huntley's family refused a funeral service for the child killer following his death after an attack at HMP Frankland, according to reports. The 52-year-old died at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Hospital nine days after being assaulted with a metal pole, which left him on life support.
His remains were cremated in the most basic coffin available, priced at £265, with no attendees present. A source told The Sun that relatives were adamant he would not receive a funeral service, declining a £3,000 taxpayer-funded arrangement. 'There was no funeral, no service and no mourners. His family was adamant - how could he have a funeral after what he did?' the source said.
The Ministry of Justice paid nearly £2,000 for the cremation, including £625 for professional services and £275 for body transfer. The jute natural coffin, made from biodegradable materials, was the cheapest option. His ashes are expected to be returned to his next of kin within weeks.
Huntley, a former school caretaker, murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in August 2002. He was convicted in 2003 and sentenced to life with a minimum of 40 years. Fellow prisoner Anthony Russell, 43, has been charged with his murder.
