Convicted murderer Ian Huntley is reportedly set to be transferred to a secure hospital at an annual cost of £300,000, funded by taxpayers, should he survive an attack in prison. This amount is significantly higher than the £85,000 it currently costs to house him at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Due to safety concerns, it is unlikely that Huntley will be able to return to Frankland if he pulls through, as he may be targeted by other inmates.
There are only three secure hospitals in the country that can accommodate Category A prisoners like Huntley: Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire, Rampton in Nottinghamshire, and Ashworth in Merseyside. Ashworth is the likely destination for Huntley, providing a stark contrast to the environment at Frankland, also known as Monster Mansion.
Sources indicate that Huntley’s survival remains uncertain, but if he lives, he will require constant care and protection. The recent decision to switch off his life support at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary has left him in a critical condition. However, should he recover, he will receive ongoing care at one of the designated secure hospitals.
The 52-year-old Huntley, known for the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, will be attended to by a dedicated team of NHS nurses and specialists during his recovery. While he remains in a coma, he is under the watchful eye of prison guards round the clock for his own safety.
The presence of multiple guards is not due to a flight risk but to ensure his protection. These guards are reportedly compensated at a rate of £24 per hour for overtime, which is considered a coveted opportunity among prison officers.
