Durham Prisoner Admits Huntley Murder Attempt

4 October 2011, 11:48 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A prisoner at Frankland Jail in Durham has admitted trying to kill Soham child killer Ian Huntley.

Damien Fowkes, 35, pleaded guilty at Hull Crown Court today to slashing Huntley's throat in Frankland Prison, Durham, in March last year.

Fowkes, from Northampton, also admitted the manslaughter of child killer Colin Hatch, who was strangled at Full Sutton Prison near York in February this year.

He was initially charged with Hatch's murder but his plea of guilty to manslaughter was accepted on the grounds of his diminished responsibility.

Fowkes stood in the sealed dock surrounded by five prison officers, wearing a grey sweatshirt and a black hat.

He has a large scar down the left side of his face and a tattoo down the right.

An application for him to come into court in handcuffs was rejected by the judge.

The prisoner spoke to confirm his name and enter his pleas.

He denied murdering Hatch but admitted manslaughter.

Graham Reeds, prosecuting, said this plea was acceptable.

The court heard how Fowkes shows ``strong psychopathic traits''.