What happened to Maxine Carr? Where is Ian Huntley’s ex girlfriend now, is she in prison, how long did she get

Channel 5 viewers have been shocked at the latest true crime drama on the channel, Maxine.

The show chronicles the role of Maxine Carr in the murder of 10-year-old girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. Carr was the girlfriend of murderer Ian Huntley, who was convicted of killing the two young girls.

Carr had a hand in the events - having helped her ex-boyfriend in the investigation. But what happened to her - and where is she now? Here’s everything you need to know.

What happened to Maxine Carr?

Maxine Carr was the girlfriend of Ian Huntley. In August 2002, Huntley was arrested on suspicion of killing Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, both 10-years-old at the time.

Huntley and Carr had both spoken to the media and participated in search parties for the girls, under the guise of concerned members of the community. However, suspicions were raised after Carr - a teaching assistant at the school both Holly and Jessica attended - gave an interview to a television channel in which she repeatedly spoke about the girls in past tense, when it was only at the time that it was believed the girls were missing.

They were questioned by police during the investigation, with Carr creating a false alibi for her boyfriend. She falsely corroborated that she was at home with Huntley at the time the girls went missing.

It was only after their subsequent arrest that Carr admitted that she had lied about her whereabouts. She had actually been visiting relatives in Grimsby at the time Huntley lured the girls away and killed them at his home.

How long was Maxine Carr sentenced to?

As a result of her involvement in the murder of the two girls, Carr receieved a three-and-a-half year prison sentence. Her charge was perverting the course of justice.

However, Carr served only 21 months behind bars. She was released in May 2004 and was also given lifelong anonymity upon her release.

Where is Maxine Carr now?

Since being released from prison, Carr is said to have moved numerous times in the past 18 years. She is believed to have moved from safe house to safe house and has also been given round the clock protection.

Not much is known about her life in 2022, although it is believed that she is married and has a son. Carr also reportedly lives in a seaside town, however it cannot be named as it would in breach of the anonymity order.

When is Maxine on Channel 5?

The final episode of Maxine will air on Channel 5 at 9pm on Wednesday 12 October. The show’s previous episodes and the full box-set will be available to watch on the channel’s streaming service My5.