Overview
- Anthony Russell, 43, appeared via videolink at Teesside Crown Court, and the judge transferred the case to Newcastle Crown Court with a pre-trial preparation hearing on 24 April.
- Durham Police said Ian Huntley was assaulted in a prison workshop on 26 February, taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, and died on 7 March.
- The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it has authorized a murder prosecution of Russell following the investigation into the fatal attack.
- A petition seeking to block taxpayer funding for Huntley’s funeral has surpassed 50,000 signatures, drawing attention to MoJ rules allowing up to roughly £3,000 for deaths in custody and noting the Justice Secretary can intervene.
- Prison sources and the Prison Governors’ Association warn the killing could heighten threats to other high-profile inmates at Frankland, with recent figures showing prison homicides rose to seven in 2025 from six in 2024.