Anthony Russell is set to appear at Newcastle Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on April 24, and currently remains in custody. Samantha Bryan discovered Ian Huntley was her father during a school project on crime at age 14. Her mother, Katie Bryan, was groomed and abused by Ian Huntley at age 15 and became pregnant at 16.
Samantha Bryan wrote to Ian Huntley in prison multiple times from 2019 onwards asking to meet, but he repeatedly denied her request. Ian Huntley replied to Samantha Bryan's letters, acknowledging her as his daughter and expressing his love for her. Samantha Bryan believes the police asked her about funeral costs purely because she is Ian Huntley's biological daughter.
I had nothing to do with him in life and now I want nothing to do with him in death.
Samantha Bryan and Katie Bryan believe Ian Huntley's ashes should be hurled into the sea.
They asked if I wanted to take on the responsibility, purely because I am his biological daughter.
He does not deserve the dignity of a funeral after what he did. I don't want any involvement.