Overview
- Huntley’s body remains at the Royal Victoria Infirmary weeks after his March 7 death, with officials retaining it for forensic work before cremation.
- Relatives have declined a government-funded service, with multiple reports saying he will be cremated without a ceremony and his ashes taken to an undisclosed location.
- Justice minister Sarah Sackman said the government would not pay the £3,000 maximum allowed, while Ministry of Justice rules let prisons cover only basic costs like a simple coffin, a hearse, and cremation fees.
- Durham Police have charged inmate Anthony Russell with Huntley’s murder, and a pre-trial hearing is set for April 24 at Newcastle Crown Court after an initial appearance by video link.
- An inquest is scheduled to open and then pause on April 14 to record the bare facts while the criminal case proceeds, which would allow cremation once testing is complete.