UK News 21-08-2002 Will Killer Ever Stand Trial? who: Suspected killer Ian Huntley what: Is not fit to appear in court, say psychiatrists where: RAMPTON when: Yesterday snippet: Ian Huntley, the caretaker from Soham Village College who was arrested early on Saturday for the abduction of ten year-old schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, was yesterday charged with their murder. But he may not face trial, according to speculation on today`s front pages, because he is being held under the Mental Health Act at top-security Rampton hospital in Nottinghamshire where he could be declared unfit to face a court. "Psychiatrists from Rampton gave Mr Huntley two medical examinations and decided he could no longer be held in police custody," says The Indpeendent. "He can now be held for assessment for up to 28 days under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act. But doctors could keep him there for a further six months if a Section 3 order, for treatment, is sought." "Huntley`s girlfriend Maxine Carr, 25, arrested with him at his father`s home on Saturday, was last night charged with a single count of attempting to pervert justice," says The Sun. "She was kept in custody by police and will appear this morning for a preliminary hearing at Peterborough Magistrates` Court." It will be an "affront to justice and an insult to common sense if he is not tried," says the "voice" of The Mirror today. But after calls for draconian legislation allowing schools to run intrusive background checks on prospective employees, today`s leader in The Times warns ministers to have the courage to resist public opinion. [... more]

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