Ian Huntley predicted assault in closing phrases as final letter to thriller feminine emerges
The Soham killer, 52, who was serving at least 40 years for murdering Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, wrote to a female penpal days before he was battered with a spiked metal pole
Ian Huntley died yesterday (March 7) in hospital(Image: Unknown)
Ian Huntley penned a final letter expressing concerns for his safety, just eight days before he was viciously beaten in the brutal prison assault that claimed his life.
The 52-year-old, who was serving a minimum of 40 years for the murders of best friends Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, both ten, composed his last message to a mystery female penpal. Huntley suggested that he was experiencing difficulties at Frankland Prison, County Durham. The Soham beast alluded to concerns he was about to be singled out in prison.
The murderer, who died from his wounds in hospital on Saturday morning, informed a female penpal “I’ve had a lot to deal with lately” in the correspondence posted on February 18 before he was assaulted later that month.
In his correspondence, Huntley opens by informing his recipient: “Sorry for not writing sooner but I’ve had a lot to deal with lately. I hate writing letters at the best of times I’ve had to do some thinking.
“For your safety I’ve decided to discard everything you’ve sent and not proceed with having you cleared for calls and visits.”
He informs the woman, who began corresponding with him last October and posted him a Christmas card: “You’re a lovely person and I don’t want you placed in harm’s way due to your affiliation with me.”
Huntley concludes: “Believe me when I say I have given this a great deal of thought and firmly believe it to be for the best. I hope all is well your end. Best wishes Ian.”
He also thanks her for a birthday card she sent on January 31 and tells her: “I appreciate it.
“His reference to having “a lot to deal with lately” is believed to be related to ongoing threats from other inmates about which Huntley was increasingly concerned.
Huntley, who was battered with a metal spike last month, will have “low key” ceremony, insiders say.
Nusrit Mehab, a former superintendent with the Metropolitan police and a senior lecturer in criminology and criminal justice, said Huntley may have expressed wishes on what to do with his body before his death.
She said: “It will be very low key, from what I can tell. If nobody claims the body, then the prison service [and] local authority will arrange it, depending on where he’s from.”
“I don’t know what his situation was – he’s been in prison for a long time and doesn’t have a lot to do with his family. But if they are the next of kin, they still have a right to claim the body. Unless he’s put a will in, or asked somebody else.
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