Ian Huntley 'Fighting for Life' After Violent Prison Attack
Convicted child murderer Ian Huntley is reportedly fighting for his life following a brutal assault by another inmate at HMP Frankland in County Durham. The 52-year-old, infamously known as the Soham killer, was allegedly attacked with a metal bar in the prison workshop around 9am on February 26, leaving him lying in a pool of blood.
Emergency Response and Police Confirmation
According to sources, Huntley was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in critical condition. Police have confirmed that a man sustained serious injuries during the incident, marking yet another violent chapter in Huntley's troubled prison history. A source told The Sun: "It was absolute chaos, and Huntley was in a terrible state. I'm amazed someone was able to get anywhere near him because he is usually really closely protected."
History of Prison Violence and Health Issues
This attack is far from the first time Huntley has required medical attention behind bars. His prison life has been marked by:
- In 2005, while at HMP Wakefield, he was attacked with boiling water by convicted mass murderer Mark Hobson.
- In 2010, at HMP Frankland, his neck was slashed by armed robber Damien Fowkes, necessitating hospital treatment.
- In 2003, while awaiting trial, he was placed in a coma following a suicide attempt.
- In November 2019, he was placed in solitary confinement after swearing at an official and kicking a guard.
Huntley has been described as perpetually under threat from fellow inmates and has experienced numerous health issues and suicide attempts during his incarceration. A former prisoner revealed in 2016 that Huntley lived a disturbing dual existence, alternating between arrogant behavior and pitiful, suicidal states.
The Soham Murders and Sentencing
Huntley was convicted of murdering 10-year-old schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002 in Soham, Cambridgeshire. The disappearance of the two best friends triggered a massive police investigation involving over 400 officers. Huntley, who worked as a school caretaker, had participated in the search and spoken to media about last seeing the girls.
He lured the girls into his home under false pretenses before murdering them and concealing their bodies near an RAF base. In December 2003, Huntley was sentenced to two life terms with a minimum of 40 years behind bars. He will not be eligible for parole until at least 2042, when he will be 71 years old.
Recent Developments and Remorse
In 2018, leaked prison recordings captured Huntley expressing remorse for his crimes: "I know the people of Soham took me into their community, they trusted me, gave me a job and a home, and I betrayed them in the worst possible way... I am genuinely, genuinely sorry." He acknowledged he would never be released from prison.
Following the 2019 incident where he assaulted a guard, Huntley reportedly had his special privileges revoked, including his £20-a-week painting job and access to favorite meals. An insider noted: "He's almost unrecognisable now from what the public would remember. He looks like a skinny old man with no fight left in him."
The investigation into the latest attack continues as Huntley remains hospitalized in serious condition.
