Child killer Ian Huntley was left so close to death after a savage prison attack that medics put him in an induced coma on-site, fearing he was too critical to move by air
Ian Huntley came so close to death following a brutal assault by a fellow inmate that medics deemed him too critical to transport by helicopter to hospital. A paramedic and doctor were flown to Durham’s Frankland prison where they stabilised the child killer at the scene.
Medical staff put him into an induced coma due to the extent of his injuries sustained during the attack with a metal pole in a prison workshop, reportedly carried out by a triple murderer.
An ambulance transported him to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, allowing medics to continue treatment during the journey should his condition worsen. The air ambulance departed from the prison and touched down at the RVI to collect the medical team after Huntley arrived at the hospital following the 30-minute, 19 mile trip.
Armed officers provided security at both the front and rear of the convoy. Two prison officers and an armed policeman travelled inside the ambulance during the high-security transfer, reports the Mirror.
“He was placed in an induced coma because he was so close to death,” a source revealed. “The team from the helicopter travelled with him but he could not be evacuated by air in case of any complications.”
They added: “He was transported by road because he was in a coma; this helps to keep him stable. The helicopter then travels to the hospital to collect the medics.
“Two armed officers are guarding Huntley around the clock at the hospital.” An insider told the Mirror: “Medical staff must be professional no matter who they are dealing with.
“With a high-profile prisoner like Huntley, the patient’s name is not released before arrival at the jail. Once the medical staff get there, they may recognise the patient but must put that to the back of their minds.” Durham Police stated today: “The 52-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious condition.
“There have been no changes overnight.” Prior to the assault, his third during 24 years behind bars, Huntley had grown increasingly paranoid, believing fellow prisoners were attempting to poison him.
He was discovered in a pool of blood following the attack shortly after 9 a. m. last week. Neither the police nor prison authorities have confirmed the identity of the suspect, reported as triple murderer Anthony Russell.
Huntley, employed as a cleaner on A wing at Frankland, had stopped eating prison food due to his conviction that his fellow inmates were “out to get him”. Instead, he purchased fast food and sweets from the shop, leading to significant weight gain.
Huntley is serving a life sentence for the murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who disappeared after leaving a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4, 2002. He disposed of their bodies in a ditch and became a suspect after conducting media interviews regarding the police inquiry.
He is currently serving a minimum 40-year sentence. “He knew that he was a target,” according to one insider.
“That is why he was so paranoid about his food.” The remains of Holly and Jessica were discovered two weeks after they vanished in August 2002.
Huntley was found guilty in December 2003 following proceedings at the Old Bailey. His partner Maxine Carr, a teaching assistant at the girls’ primary school, was also imprisoned in 2003 after being convicted of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
She was released from custody and provided with a new identity in May 2004. Following his detention, it emerged Huntley had been permitted to work with children despite facing rape and sexual assault allegations.
Humberside Police had received grave accusations against him. An investigation resulted in criminal background checks on anyone working with children.
Huntley suffered scalding from boiling water at HMP Wakefield in 2005. He was transferred to Frankland, where robber Damien Fowkes attacked him with a blade in 2010.
The neck injury measured seven inches (18 cm) in length and required 21 stitches. Fowkes enquired of a prison officer: “Is he dead?
“I hope so.”
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