Ian Huntley's mother, Lynda Richards, made a secret visit to her son in a North East hospital, where he remains in a critical condition after being attacked in prison. The 52-year-old killer, who murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, was reportedly given a 5% chance of survival after being struck repeatedly around the head with a metal bar during a workshop at HMP Frankland. Richards, 71, travelled 175 miles from her home in Lincolnshire to be with her son, and a source claimed she told acquaintances she 'just wants to be free of it'. The caretaker is serving a life sentence for the Soham double murder, which occurred on August 4, 2002. Richards was accompanied to the hospital by a Prison Service staff member, and a source claimed she 'couldn't recognise her own son' after the attack. The source added that Richards 'part of her just hopes he passes away this time', but 'he's still her son, regardless of what happened, and they have remained very close'. Durham Constabulary issued an update stating that Huntley's condition had not changed overnight, and he remained in hospital in a serious condition. Triple killer Anthony Russell was named as the prime suspect in the prison assault, though his identity has not been confirmed by police or prison authorities. The suspect is reported to have shouted 'I've killed him' as he was led away by prison staff. This incident has sparked debate about the mother's thoughts and feelings towards her son's actions, and whether she should be allowed to visit him. Do you think Richards should be allowed to visit her son in prison? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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