Soham murderer Ian Huntley is suing the prison service after being attacked by another inmate, the Ministry of Justice has said.
Huntley, who is serving a life sentence for killing schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, had his throat slashed in March and now claims the prison service failed in their duty of care towards him.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Ian Huntley is bringing a claim against the Ministry of Justice following an assault by another prisoner. The claim is currently being vigorously defended.”
The former school caretaker, who murdered the 10-year-old friends in Cambridgeshire in 2002, was left scarred by the attack at Frankland Prison, Co Durham.
He is alleged to have been attacked with a razor blade by Damien Fowkes and needed hospital treatment.
Earlier this year, then justice secretary Jack Straw said the Government had “absolutely no intention” of paying compensation to Huntley over the attack.
The comments, at Commons Question Time, came as it emerged that Huntley could be awarded up to £20,000 in compensation if he sued for negligence.
It was reported that Huntley could claim nearly £100,000 in damages in a case that could cost tax payers more than £1 million in legal aid fees.
He is said to be seeking £20,000 for injuries and £60,000 for authorities failing in their duty of care, the Daily Mail said. The newspaper also said he is expected to claim a further £15,000 through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
No paperwork in relation to the matter is believed to have been received by the body, however.
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