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  "path": "/news/ian-huntley-taxpayer-cremation-eco-friendly-coffin",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-10T03:12:55.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "died in hospital",
    "not use taxpayer funds",
    "Knifeman arrested after four-hour standoff with armed police 'making threats to kill' at city hotel",
    "Man arrested after hit-and-run in town centre left bystander with life-threatening injuries",
    "Man charged after alleged antisemitic hate crime incident on bus in North London",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nTaxpayers covered the costs of Ian Huntley's funeral services as the child murderer was cremated in a £265 eco-friendly coffin.\n\nThe Ministry of Justice (MoJ) spent nearly £2,000 for Ian Huntley, who died in hospital after he was allegedly attacked at HMP Frankland.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nA petition was signed by 64,000 people calling for the MoJ to not use taxpayer funds for Huntley's funeral.\n\nWhen an inmate dies in custody, the MoJ can offers up to £3,000 towards funeral costs.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nThe MoJ confirmed it spent £1,915 to cremate Huntley, 52.\n\nThis included £265 for a \"jute natural coffin\", and £100 for staff attendance and supervision, The Independent revealed.\n\nA jute coffin is made from natural materials and was described by one coffin provider as an \"eco-conscious alternative\".\n\nThe coffin was selected as the most cost-effective option, it is understood.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nOther fees included £625 for \"professional services\", £275 for the transfer of his body from hospital, and £65 for a cremation casket.\n\nUnder MoJ standard practice, funds are directly sent to the funeral director and does not cover the cost of wakes, headstones, or burial plots.\n\nThe service for Huntley, who murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, was not attended by any mourners.\n\nThe child killer's ashes are set to be returned to his mother, Lynda Richards, next month.\n\n### LATEST CRIME:\n\n\n\n\n  * Knifeman arrested after four-hour standoff with armed police 'making threats to kill' at city hotel\n  * Man arrested after hit-and-run in town centre left bystander with life-threatening injuries\n  * Man charged after alleged antisemitic hate crime incident on bus in North London\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAn MoJ spokesperson said: \"The murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman remain one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation’s history, and our thoughts are with their families.\"\n\nHuntley, a former school caretaker, was found guilty for his heinous crimes in 2003.\n\nHe was jailed for life with a recommended minimum term of 40 years.\n\nAnthony Russell, 43, was charged with murder after Huntley died.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHuntley had been serving a life sentence for his two murders when he was killed.\n\nRussell, 43, appeared via video link from HMP Frankland at Teesside Crown Court in March.\n\n\nHe only confirmed his name and date of birth during the hearing.\n\nThe court heard Russell's trial could take as many as five days.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Taxpayers cover £2,000 costs of Ian Huntley’s cremation as child murderer given £265 eco-friendly coffin"
}