Family of Ian Huntley's Daughter Vows Bold Funeral Protest
Jacqueline Edwards, the grandmother of Ian Huntley's daughter, has declared a powerful intention to stage a symbolic protest at the funeral of the notorious Soham killer. The 67-year-old from Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, expressed a desire to hold a placard reading "Burn in hell" outside the service, while emphasising she would not disrupt the proceedings out of respect for Huntley's mother.
"Dragged to the Gates of Hell"
Edwards described Huntley, who died last Saturday, as "pure evil" and stated: "I would like to see him on his way as he’s dragged to the gates of hell by the devil’s hounds." She added, "If I could, I’d like to stand outside and hold a placard wishing him God’s speed…on his way to hell. As that’s where he’s going with all the other monsters." However, she acknowledged the funeral will likely be held in secret, reducing her chance to act.
Lifelong Guilt and Trauma
Edwards lives with profound guilt, having introduced Huntley to her then-15-year-old daughter, Katie Bryan, while they worked together selling lottery tickets in Grimsby. Huntley and Bryan later had a daughter, Samantha, now 27. Edwards revealed that Huntley went on to rape and abuse Bryan, even pushing her down the stairs while she was pregnant. She reported him to police after Bryan ran away to live with him, but Huntley lied, claiming it was a domestic dispute, leaving authorities powerless.
In a chilling confrontation after Bryan fled, Huntley threatened Edwards, saying "That can be arranged" when she told him he would never see her daughter again. Edwards reflected, "Even back then, nearly 30 years ago he was already evil. I have no doubt that if he ever got parole he would have struck again."
Pattern of Abuse Before Soham Murders
Edwards disclosed that she knew of an 11-year-old girl who made an allegation of assault against Huntley years before the 2002 murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. She believes this girl was telling the truth but was not believed at the time. "There was a pattern before Holly and Jessica," Edwards said, noting Huntley seemed "untouchable" when giving TV interviews after the killings.
Mixed Emotions and Relief
Upon learning of Huntley's death, Edwards felt "relief" for her family but profound sadness for the parents of Holly and Jessica. She stated, "On the one hand, death was too good for him. He should have lived his sentence out and been tortured for the rest of his life. But in another way I’m relieved as if I die I can rest in peace as he can never get near my daughter and grandchild, or anyone else’s."
She added that fear of his potential release had kept her awake for decades, but now she can "sleep soundly" knowing he will never harm anyone again. Edwards also expressed pity for Huntley's mother, Lynda, recognising her suffering and noting, "You can't help how your children turn out."
Closure and Final Thoughts
Edwards hopes for some closure, saying, "After what he did to my family I would like the opportunity to see him finally gone." She concluded by honouring the victims: "Holly and Jessica are with the angels and Ian is going to meet the devil." Her words underscore the lasting trauma inflicted by Huntley's crimes and the complex emotions surrounding his death.
