Taxpayers cover £2,000 costs of Ian Huntley’s cremation as child murderer given £265 eco-friendly coffin

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The MoJ confirmed it spent £1,915 to cremate Huntley, 52.This included £265 for a jute natural coffin, and £100 for staff attendance and supervision, The Independent revealed.A jute coffin is made from natural materials and was described by one coffin provider as an eco-conscious alternative.The coffin was selected as the most cost-effective option, it is understood.Other fees included £625 for professional services, £275 for the transfer of his body from hospital, and £65 for a cremation casket.Under MoJ standard practice, funds are directly sent to the funeral director and does not cover the cost of wakes, headstones, or burial plots.The service for Huntley, who murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, was not attended by any mourners.The child killer's ashes are set to be returned to his mother, Lynda Richards, next month.LATEST CRIME:Knifeman arrested after four-hour standoff with armed police 'making threats to kill' at city hotelMan arrested after hit-and-run in town centre left bystander with life-threatening injuriesMan charged after alleged antisemitic hate crime incident on bus in North LondonAn 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.Huntley, a former school caretaker, was found guilty for his heinous crimes in 2003.He was jailed for life with a recommended minimum term of 40 years.Anthony Russell, 43, was charged with murder after Huntley died.Huntley had been serving a life sentence for his two murders when he was killed.Russell, 43, 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. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter