Daughter of Soham Killer Ian Huntley Expresses Relief Over Brutal Prison Assault
Samantha Bryan, the 27-year-old daughter of notorious Soham murderer Ian Huntley, has declared she feels "glad" her father was savagely beaten in prison and believes "there is a special place in hell waiting for him." The convicted killer's only child revealed she cried from relief upon learning of the attack at HMP Frankland, initially believing it meant he was dead.
"A Heavy Burden" Lifted
Ms Bryan told The Sun on Sunday that "being his daughter has been a heavy burden" and that hearing about the assault made her feel "like I could breathe again." She discovered Huntley was her father at age 14 during a school project on crime, when she found a blurry online picture of her mother with the killer.
Her mother, Katie Bryan, 45, was in a relationship with Huntley when she was just 15 and became pregnant at 16 before fleeing what she describes as his "brutal clutches." Ms Bryan stated: "I think he got what he deserves. I hope he burns in hell. I'd like to shake the hand of the man who did it."
Failed Attempts to Uncover Truth
From her home in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, Ms Bryan wrote multiple letters to Huntley from 2019 onward, hoping to arrange a face-to-face meeting not to offer forgiveness but to uncover the truth about the 2002 murders of ten-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. Huntley acknowledged her as his daughter in replies but repeatedly denied meeting requests.
In a chilling 2024 handwritten letter, he told her: "I doubt there will be enough time for a significant shift in circumstances in order for us to ever meet." Ms Bryan said this response confirmed his "pitiful, twisted, manipulative coward" character and made her abandon hope of discovering the truth "for the sake of my sanity and my future."
Violent Attack Details Emerge
Huntley, 52, was rushed to hospital on Thursday morning after being attacked by a fellow inmate at a recycling workshop within the high-security prison in County Durham. He remains in hospital on life support in a medically induced coma with severe injuries including brain damage, broken jaw, and skull fractures.
Multiple prison sources suspect Anthony Russell, a 43-year-old triple murderer and rapist serving a life sentence, as the attacker. Witnesses described an "unbelievably savage" assault where Huntley was battered around 15 times with a metal bar while bending down. Russell reportedly boasted "I've done it, I've killed him!" as he was led away in handcuffs.
Family Reactions and Historical Context
Huntley's mother, Lynda Richards, 71, made a secret 175-mile trip to his bedside, telling friends "part of me hopes he dies" and she "just wants to be free of it." Doctors gave Huntley only a five percent chance of survival following the attack, which is at least the third serious assault he has suffered behind bars.
The Soham murderer was convicted in 2003 of killing schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman after luring them into his cottage in August 2002. He was sentenced to life with a minimum 40-year term. Throughout his trial, Huntley lied about the circumstances, claiming accidental deaths before partially confessing in 2018 to deliberately killing Jessica Chapman.
Ongoing Impact on Families
Ms Bryan expressed anger and sadness that she will never get the answers she craved for Holly and Jessica's families, stating: "Knowing their families have never been given the truth causes me profound sadness." Her mother fears Huntley might request his daughter's presence at his bedside in his final moments, praying he never wakes up to prevent this.
The beautician described how her life has been "poisoned" by the Soham murders, affecting her jobs, relationships, and mental health. She has suffered constant nightmares and faced public comments linking her to her father's crimes, including the painful remark: "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Prison Security and Aftermath
HMP Frankland was locked down following the attack, with officers searching cells for weapons amid fears of copycat assaults. Prison sources suggest Russell will likely be isolated in segregation for five to ten years. If Huntley survives, he is expected to be transferred to a secure hospital facility rather than returning to the prison population.
Durham Constabulary confirmed the 52-year-old man remains in hospital in serious condition, with no arrests made yet in connection with the assault. The investigation continues as Huntley clings to life in what medical professionals describe as a "miraculous" survival given the severity of his injuries.
