A prisoner accused of murdering Soham child-killer Ian Huntley appeared before a judge at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, July 3. Anthony Russell, 43, took part in the brief hearing via video link from custody as the case against him continues to progress through the courts, according to Chronicle Live.
Court Hearing Details
During the hearing, the charge was not formally put to Russell. However, Mr Justice Hilliard confirmed a series of procedural deadlines ahead of a trial already scheduled for November 23. Russell was remanded in custody pending his next appearance.
Russell is alleged to have attacked Huntley with a metal bar inside a workshop at HMP Frankland in County Durham on February 26. The court heard that Huntley died after being hit over the head "multiple times" with the metal bar in the top-security prison.
Victim's Background
Huntley was transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where he later died from his injuries. He had been serving a life sentence for the murders of 10-year-old Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who were killed in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2002. The case shocked the nation and led to widespread scrutiny of background checks for school staff.
Russell remains in custody as the legal process moves toward the trial date later this year.
