On December 17, 2003, Ian Huntley was found guilty of the Soham murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. The two ten-year-old girls went missing on August 4, 2002, from the small town of Soham in Cambridgeshire, England. Their bodies were discovered in a ditch near RAF Lakenheath on August 17, 2002.

Huntley, who was the caretaker at the girls' school, was arrested on suspicion of murder along with his girlfriend Maxine Carr, who was a teaching assistant at the school. During the trial, it was revealed that Huntley had a history of violence and had been accused of sexual assault in the past. He had also lied about his past and claimed to have a different identity.

The evidence against Huntley was overwhelming, including fibers from the girls' clothing found in his home, as well as CCTV footage of him buying garbage bags to dispose of their bodies. Huntley initially denied any involvement in the girls' disappearance but later changed his story, claiming that their deaths were accidental.

After a highly publicized trial, Ian Huntley was found guilty of the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman and was sentenced to life in prison. Maxine Carr was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

The Soham murders shocked the nation and led to a review of child protection policies in schools. The case also highlighted the importance of background checks for employees working with children.

If you would like to learn more about the Soham murders and the trial of Ian Huntley, you can visit the following links:

• BBC News: The Soham Murders
• The Guardian: Ian Huntley Found Guilty

It is a tragic case that serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding children from harm.

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