Soham murderer Ian Huntley, infamous for the tragic killings of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, may receive a publicly funded funeral and memorial service following his recent death at HMP Frankland in County Durham. The prison’s protocol mandates that the governor offer financial assistance of up to £3,000 for funeral expenses, covering costs like transportation, casket, religious services, and cremation fees. If the family opts not to arrange a funeral, the funds will not be disbursed.
It is anticipated that Huntley, aged 52, will be cremated at an undisclosed location. Additionally, the protocol requires a memorial service to be arranged through the prison chaplaincy, which can be attended by family members, fellow inmates, and prison staff.
Despite his heinous crimes, which led to a life sentence in 2003, Huntley’s daughter, Samantha Bryan, has expressed her disdain by suggesting his ashes should be discarded. Nevertheless, governmental guidelines dictate that Huntley be accorded customary funeral rites, potentially at the expense of taxpayers.
Darren Finley, the governor of HMP Frankland, is tasked with extending condolences to Huntley’s family and facilitating the funeral arrangements. However, Bryan has staunchly opposed the idea of her father receiving any form of dignified send-off, asserting that it is unwarranted for a man of his nature.
Huntley’s imprisonment was to be for a minimum of 40 years, with slim chances of parole, as judges deemed him unlikely to ever reveal the complete truth behind the tragic deaths of the young girls, leaving only a sanitized account.
