Wayne Couzens Fears Being 'Next Target' After Ian Huntley Prison Assault
Wayne Couzens, the former police officer who murdered Sarah Everard in 2021, is said to be "petrified" of becoming the next target behind bars following last week's brutal attack on Ian Huntley at the same prison facility. The 53-year-old killer is reportedly "really scared" as he serves his sentence in his cell at HMP Frankland in County Durham.
Details of the Huntley Attack
This heightened fear comes after Ian Huntley, 52, was rushed to hospital last Thursday following a severe assault at the Category A prison. According to sources, prison officers initially believed Huntley had died when they discovered him lying in a pool of blood. Medical staff "worked miracles" to save him, but he was given just a 5% chance of survival after sustaining multiple blows and severe head injuries.
Emergency services were called to the prison at approximately 9am on February 26. Recent reports indicate that Huntley has been declared blind due to eye injuries sustained during the attack and is not expected to regain consciousness. A source revealed: "It is now looking like he will not pull through, barring a miracle. His condition has not really improved since day one despite the best efforts of doctors."
Couzens' Growing Fear
In the wake of this violent incident, other high-profile inmates are becoming increasingly concerned about their own safety. A source disclosed to The Sun: "He's petrified. He's told people he fears he'll be next and is the No1 target now after the Huntley attack. This week marks the fifth anniversary of Sarah's murder and has put him even more in the spotlight."
The source added that Couzens "isn't a tough or imposing bloke" and his background as a former police officer puts him in greater danger within the prison system. His crime—the kidnapping, rape, and murder of marketing executive Sarah Everard—remains particularly notorious, further increasing his vulnerability.
Background on the Inmates
Ian Huntley is serving a life sentence for the murders of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. He will not be eligible for parole until at least 2042. Wayne Couzens was given a whole-life order for Sarah Everard's murder, meaning he will never be released from prison.
The attack on Huntley has sent shockwaves through HMP Frankland, raising serious questions about security measures for high-risk prisoners. As one source noted regarding Huntley's condition: "It looks like it's only a matter of time. It could be days, it could be weeks. Few people will shed a tear." Meanwhile, Couzens remains in his cell, acutely aware that he could be the next target in what appears to be a dangerous environment for notorious criminals.
