Ian Huntley to get 'minimalist cremation' with taxpayers contributing up to £3k'

The prison service will pay for a 'minimalist' cremation to dispose of Ian Huntley's body, as part of an arrangement with his mother as next of kin.

It is not yet clear how much it will cost, but it's longstanding policy for taxpayers to contribute up to a maximum of £3,000 for any death in custody. It is understood the process will include no mourners and no ceremony.

However, this does not necessarily mean Huntley's next of kin will not attend.

The double murderer, 52, died in hospital on Saturday after allegedly being attacked at the high security jail HMP Frankland, in Durham.

Anthony Russell, 43, is accused of murdering Huntley and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday.

Huntley, who was known as the Soham killer after murdering 10-year-old friends Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, had been in a critical condition in hospital.

Sky News understands the prison service will pay for a basic cremation, and will return Huntley's ashes to his mother as next of kin.

No date has yet been set, while the exact monetary contribution by the prison service has not been decided upon, but it's expected to fall below the maximum contribution of £3,000.

Previous prisoners who have had their costs paid for by the state, include Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe in 2020, and Raymond Morris in 2014.

The money is only permitted to be paid directly to a funeral director, and can only be used to cover "reasonable costs", which includes a 'simple' coffin, hearse, as well as cremation or burial fees. The money is not allowed for a headstone, flowers, or order of service sheets.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson previously said, "the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman remains one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation's history, and our thoughts are with their families".

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