Worthy of punishment’ but not guilty of murder, says Huntley’s lawyer in closing

THERE is evidence to convict Soham accused Ian Huntley of the manslaughter of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman and he is “worthy of punishment”, his lawyer conceded yesterday.

But the Old Bailey jury had "waited in vain" for evidence that he was guilty of the murders of the 10-year-olds, Stephen Coward QC said in his closing speech for Huntley's defence.

Mr Coward said: "We conclude on the evidence available, thin as it is, that there is evidence that Mr Huntley is guilty of the manslaughter both of Holly Wells and of Jessica Chapman."