Convicted child killer Ian Huntley expressed his concerns about potential violence in prison, revealing to family members that he hoped any attack on him would be swift and painless.
Huntley, known for the murders of 10-year-olds Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells in Soham in 2002, is currently serving a 40-year sentence at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Reports indicate that he was assaulted with a 3ft-long iron bar at a recycling workshop within the prison.
A source familiar with the situation disclosed Huntley’s apprehensions, indicating that he had a premonition that he would be targeted. The individual suspected of the assault is believed to be triple killer Anthony Russell, although authorities have not officially confirmed this.
According to The Sun, the source stated that Huntley was aware of the animosity towards him in prison, with several inmates openly expressing their desire to harm him. There were prior warnings of a possible attack on Huntley, and some inmates had directly threatened him. Huntley had confided in his relatives and a few friends about his fears, expressing his preference for a quick and painless demise if he were to be killed.
It was noted that Huntley, having spent a significant time behind bars, understood the potential severity of any assault against him, which could prove fatal. The situation had been escalating for an extended period, not just in recent weeks.
Prior to the attack, Huntley had concerns about the level of protection he was receiving from prison officers, suspecting that it had been reduced. Questions are now being raised about the actions of the officers during the incident.
Recent changes in Huntley’s routine, including his involvement in a prison workshop and gym, had increased his interactions with other inmates who might harbor ill intentions towards him.
Speaking to the Chronicle, an anonymous source claimed that Huntley was housed in an ‘enhanced’ wing at HMP Frankland, where inmates like Levi Bellfield and Wayne Couzens are also kept separate from the general prison population.
Following the assault, Huntley was reported to have a slim chance of survival after sustaining severe head injuries. As of the latest update, a spokesperson from Durham Constabulary confirmed that the 52-year-old remains in serious condition in the hospital, with no significant changes overnight.
