Ministry of Justice Spends £2,980 on Ian Huntley's Cremation Following Prison Death

The Ministry of Justice spent £1,915 to cremate Ian Huntley following his death in hospital after he was allegedly attacked at HMP Frankland. The department also paid £100 for staff attendance and supervision, £625 for professional services, £275 for the transfer of his body from hospital and £65 for a cremation casket.

Ian Huntley was cremated in a £265 eco-friendly jute natural coffin that was selected as the most cost-effective option.

When an inmate dies in custody, the Ministry of Justice can offer up to £3,000 towards funeral costs. Under standard practice, funds are sent directly to the funeral director and do not cover wakes, headstones or burial plots. A petition calling for the Ministry of Justice not to use taxpayer funds for Ian Huntley's funeral was signed by 64,000 people.

The service for Ian Huntley, who was 52 years old at the time of his death, was not attended by any mourners. Ian Huntley's ashes are set to be returned to his mother, Lynda Richards, next month. GB News reported that the total expenditure has drawn public criticism given Huntley's crimes.

Ian Huntley murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002. He was found guilty of the murders in 2003 and jailed for life with a recommended minimum term of 40 years. " Anthony Russell, 43, was charged with murder after Ian Huntley died.

Anthony Russell appeared via video link from HMP Frankland at Teesside Crown Court in March. He only confirmed his name and date of birth during the hearing. The court heard Russell's trial could take as many as five days.

Huntley had been serving his life sentence at the Category A prison when the alleged attack occurred. The jute coffin was described by one provider as an eco-conscious alternative to traditional materials.