Ian Huntley 'So Close to Death' After Prison Attack, Medics Made Critical Transport Decision
The medics who flew to HMP Frankland in Durham were forced to make a serious decision regarding transport as Ian Huntley's condition was so critical he was reportedly near death. A paramedic and a doctor arrived at the prison on February 26, where they stabilised the convicted killer who had been assaulted with a metal pole in a prison workshop.
Induced Coma and High-Security Transport Operation
Due to the severity of his injuries, Huntley was placed into an induced coma. An ambulance then transported him to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, with medical staff prepared to work on him en route if his condition deteriorated. The air ambulance flew from HMP Frankland to the RVI to collect medics after the half-hour, 19-mile journey.
Armed police escorts were positioned both ahead and behind the vehicle during this high-security operation. Inside the ambulance were two prison guards and an armed police officer.
Medical Team's Professional Response Despite High-Profile Patient
A source revealed: "He was placed in an induced coma because he was so close to death. The team from the helicopter travelled with him but he could not be evacuated by air in case of any complications. He was transported by road because he was in a coma; this helps to keep him stable."
Another source told the Mirror that medical staff must maintain professionalism regardless of the patient. With high-profile prisoners like Huntley, the patient's name is not disclosed before arrival at the jail. Once medical staff arrive, they may recognise the patient but must set that aside to focus on treatment.
Huntley's Paranoia and Previous Prison Attacks
Before this assault—his third during 24 years in prison—Huntley had become paranoid that fellow inmates were poisoning him. He was found in a pool of blood following the attack around 9 a.m. on Thursday. Police and prison authorities have not confirmed the suspect's identity, though sources name triple killer Anthony Russell.
Huntley, who worked as a cleaner on A wing at Frankland, had abandoned prison food, convinced his fellow inmates were "out to get him." Instead, he purchased fast food and confectionery from the prison shop, leading to significant weight gain.
Background: The Soham Murders and Previous Incidents
Ian Huntley is serving a life sentence for the murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4, 2002. He dumped their bodies in a ditch and came under suspicion after giving media interviews about the police investigation. He is serving a minimum 40-year term.
An insider stated: "He knew that he was a target. That is why he was so paranoid about his food." The bodies of Holly and Jessica were discovered two weeks after their disappearance in August 2002.
Huntley was convicted in December 2003 following a trial at the Old Bailey. His girlfriend Maxine Carr, a teaching assistant at the girls' primary school, was also jailed in 2003 for conspiring to pervert the course of justice. She was released in May 2004 and given a new identity.
After his arrest, it emerged that Huntley had been able to work with children despite facing previous rape and sexual assault complaints. Humberside Police had received serious allegations against him, leading to an inquiry and enhanced criminal checks for those working with children.
Previous Prison Attacks on Huntley
This is not the first time Huntley has been attacked in prison:
- In 2005, he was scalded with boiling water at HMP Wakefield.
- In 2010, at HMP Frankland, robber Damien Fowkes slashed him, leaving a seven-inch (18 cm) neck wound that required 21 stitches. Fowkes reportedly asked a prison officer: "Is he dead? I hope so."
Durham Police confirmed on March 2 that the 52-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious condition with no changes overnight. Two armed officers are guarding Huntley around the clock at the hospital.
