The Life and Crimes of Ian Brady: A Dark Tale
Ian Brady, a name synonymous with horror, never displayed an ounce of remorse for his heinous deeds, even until his death at the age of 79. In 1966, this monstrous figure was convicted of the brutal murders of children, alongside his twisted partner in crime, Myra Hindley. But who was Ian Brady, and what was the story behind his demise?
Ian Brady’s Troubled Beginnings
Born in Glasgow in 1938, Brady’s early life was far from idyllic. Neglected by his mother, he was raised by foster parents in the harsh environment of Glasgow’s Gorbals, a notorious slum. Troubled from a young age, he embarked on a path of petty crimes and, later, moved to Manchester to live with his mother and stepfather, Patrick Brady. Under his stepfather’s name, Ian continued his criminal activities and developed a serious alcohol problem while still in his teens. In an attempt to “better himself,” he delved into a disturbing library of books on Nazi Germany, sadism, and sexual perversion.
The Twisted Love Story
Brady’s life took a dark turn when he crossed paths with Myra Hindley while both were employed at a Manchester-based company. It was an unusual love story, fueled by their shared interests, including Brady’s ability to read Mein Kampf in its original German.
The Victims
Their sinister partnership led to the murders of five innocent children: Pauline Reade, 16; John Kilbride, 12; Keith Bennett, 12; Lesley Ann Downey, 10; and Edward Evans, 17. These horrifying crimes included sexual assault, throat slashing, and strangulation.
The Beginning of the End
Ian Brady’s reign of terror started to unravel when he invited Myra’s brother-in-law and friend, David Smith, to their home in October 1965. In a gruesome act, Brady brutally murdered Edward Evans while Smith watched in horror. Smith eventually reported the crime to the police, leading them to Brady’s doorstep. Inside their home, they discovered Edward’s lifeless body, wrapped in plastic sheeting, along with the murder weapon and Brady’s disturbing collection of perverse literature.
The Trial and Sentencing
In May 1966, both Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were convicted of their crimes. Brady received concurrent life sentences for each murder, including that of John Kilbride. Hindley was found guilty as an accessory after the fact and received two life sentences, plus seven years for her role in John Kilbride’s case.
Life Behind Bars
Ian Brady spent 31 years at Ashworth Hospital, where he was continuously monitored due to his status as Britain’s longest-serving offender. Declared criminally insane in 1985, he resided in the high-security Merseyside hospital. For years, he sustained himself through hunger strikes, surviving on liquid nutrition. He cruelly refused to reveal the whereabouts of Keith Bennett’s body, leaving a trail of heartache for the victim’s family.
The End of a Dark Chapter
Ian Brady’s life came to a close on May 15, 2017, as he succumbed to cor pulmonale and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite numerous pleas and opportunities to disclose the location of Keith Bennett’s remains, Brady took his secrets to the grave. His ashes were scattered in the Irish Sea, ending a chapter of terror and anguish.
Legacy and Unanswered Questions
Even in death, Ian Brady’s legacy of pain lives on. His refusal to show remorse for his crimes and the lingering mystery of Keith Bennett’s resting place haunt those affected by his actions. The case remains open, a reminder that justice for the victims is a pursuit that will never cease.