Anthony Russell charged with murdering Ian Huntley in prison workshop attack

A prisoner has been charged with murdering Soham killer Ian Huntley.

Huntley, who was behind bars for the murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, was beaten in the head with a spiked metal pole on February 26 at a prison workshop in HMP Frankland.

He spent a week on life support before being confirmed dead on Saturday.

The attack left him blind and brain dead, with his mum Lynda Richards, 71, was reportedly at his bedside when his life support was switched off.

Anthony Russell, 43, who is serving a murder sentence, has been charged with the attack.

Durham Constabulary said: ‘A man has been charged with murder following an incident at HMP Frankland in Durham.

‘Emergency services were called to reports of an assault in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.

‘Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but died on the morning of Saturday, March 7.

‘Anthony Russell, 43, of HMP Frankland, has been charged with murder and will appear via video link at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, March 11.’

The Crown Prosecution said: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Anthony Russell with murder following a police investigation into a fatal attack on Ian Huntley at HMP Frankland.

‘Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

‘We have worked closely with Durham Constabulary as they carried out their investigation.’

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