Taxpayers could contribute to the funeral or cremation costs of Ian Huntley following his death in custody. The convicted murderer died in hospital at the age of 52 after reportedly being attacked in prison.
Huntley was serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of two schoolgirls in Soham, Cambridgeshire. He died on Saturday after remaining in critical condition for several days.
Attack Inside High-Security Prison
The former school caretaker had been hospitalized after an alleged assault at HM Prison Frankland. Authorities say an unknown inmate attacked him with a metal bar in a prison workshop.
Police confirmed that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Huntley was convicted of murdering Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, both aged 10, in the town of Soham in 2002. The case shocked the nation and remains one of the UK’s most notorious crimes.
Prison Policy on Funeral Costs
Under longstanding UK prison policy, the prison service may contribute up to £3,000 towards basic funeral expenses for inmates who die in custody.
The payment goes directly to a funeral director and covers essential services. These include a simple coffin, a hearse, and cremation or burial fees.
However, the funding cannot cover additional costs such as flowers, headstones, printed service materials, or hospitality for mourners.
Previous Cases
The policy has applied to other high-profile prisoners. It helped cover funeral costs for serial killer Peter Sutcliffe in 2020. Authorities also used it after the death of Raymond Morris in 2014.
Officials say public funds will only be used if Huntley’s family does not arrange or pay for the funeral themselves. If relatives have already made arrangements, such as through a prepaid funeral plan, taxpayers would not be involved.
