Latest news with #TheMoorsMurders:ASearchforJustice
Daily Mirror
03-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
Moors Murder victim's brother urges police to 'follow trail' in Ian Brady's manuscript
Keith Bennett's brother, Keith, believes the first 394 pages of Ian Brady's previously unseen autobiography may hold a "vital clue" to recovering the 12-year-old's body from Saddleworth Moor The brother of missing Moors Murder victim Keith Bennett has begged authorities to "follow a trail" to find pages from evil Ian Brady 's secret autobiography. Brady and his accomplice Myra Hindley never revealed where they buried 12-year-old Keith after killing him in 1964. But the BBC documentary, The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice, has uncovered the first 394 pages of Brady's memoirs called Black Light, which he sent to a solicitor. They detail where the pair buried another victim on Saddleworth Moor, near Manchester. But 200 pages of the manuscript, found in the attic of the solicitor who died in 2023, are missing. Now Keith's brother, Alan Bennett says they could hold a "vital clue" to recover his body. Writing on Facebook, Alan said: "The main focus now is in following a trail to try and find what has happened to the missing pages of Brady's book. There is a strong feeling with everybody that Brady may have given his full account of what he and Hindley did. The hope is that there is a vital clue in his account of Keith's abduction and murder." A copy of Brady's secret manuscript was uncovered by cold case experts working with film-maker Duncan Staff as they trawled a large cache of files. The typewritten notes cover his relationship with Myra Hindley and a description of the murder and burial of their first victim, Pauline Reade, 16. Mr Staff believes the missing final 200 pages of Brady's manuscript may contain his account of Keith's murder and burial in 1964. Brady's biographer, the late Dr Alan Keightley, wrote that Brady told him Black Light ran to at least 600 pages. The missing pages are believed to have been deposited with Brady's solicitor, Robin Makin, in Liverpool, in a locked Samsonite briefcase. But Mr Makin has never disclosed its contents and has not commented. Mr Bennett's solicitor John Ainley said Greater Manchester Police had unsuccessfully applied for a warrant to access the briefcases after Brady's death in May 2017 at Ashworth Hospital, a secure psychiatric unit in Merseyside where he had been detained since 1985. But he said the court had not granted the warrant to the force, even after the law was changed in 2022 in a bid to make it easier for police to obtain evidence which could help them find human remains. "That law was passed and I think the police tried to act upon that, but it didn't give them, it appears, any additional powers," Mr Ainley told the BBC. "I think the police have been informed that there is no such information [about Keith's whereabouts] in the hands of the solicitors and consequently we've not been able to so far take it any further." He added: "The latest information that some pages from the autobiography have been passed to this solicitor - that will enable them to, I assume, apply to the court in order that they can have access to them," he said. "So we'll be having further discussions with Greater Manchester Police to see just what action they propose to take." Mr Ainley said while there was no suggestion the missing memoir pages were in the briefcases, the family was "anxious" for anything that could help give them answers. He said: "I don't think they're connected, but the combination of those pages and the contents of the cases, if those are all examined and put together, it might form a picture that is really helpful. "The family are desperate to get closure and find Keith's body." Keith was the third victim of Brady and Hindley, who killed five children. The bodies of John Kilbride, 12, and Lesley Ann Downey, 10, were found at Saddleworth Moor near Manchester in 1965. Edward Evans, 17, was found at the killers' house after being murdered in 1965. The body of Pauline was found on the moor in 1987. Hindley died in 2002, aged 60, and Brady died in 2017, aged 79. They had been sentenced to life. A GMP representative said the force had "always remained committed to finding answers for Keith Bennett's family". They said: "Keith's family is central to any action we take in relation to this case and our thoughts remain with them." The force said it would "carefully consider and respond" to any "credible evidence".
The Irish Sun
30-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
I grilled Myra Hindley on where final Moors Murders victim is buried… could Brady's chilling secret memoir hold answer?
FOR 60 years the final resting place of 12-year-old Keith Bennett has remained a mystery - a tragic secret that vile killer Ian Brady took with him to the grave. Despite multiple searches, his body was never recovered and Advertisement 13 Ian Brady and Myra Hindley achieved infamy in the 1960s as the Moors murderers after killing five children Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 13 Twelve-year-old Keith Bennett's body was never recovered Credit: PA 13 Brady's secret autobiography, along with case files found gathering dust in a solicitor's attic, could provide vital clues to the location of Keith's grave Credit: BBC But now, 60 years on, Brady's secret autobiography, along with case files found gathering dust in a solicitor's attic, could provide vital clues to the location of his grave. Keith was one of five children murdered by Journalist Duncan Staff - who's worked on the case for years and even grilled Hindley in prison to see if she could pinpoint where Keith was buried - has discovered a partial manuscript written by Brady about the murders, along with the original defence case files for the murder trial. Brady's biographer, Dr Alan Keightley, wrote in his own book that Brady had written a 600 page autobiography called Black Light. Advertisement READ MORE FEATURES The manuscript details how they selected the site for Pauline Reade's burial and gives specific information about the location. But it is only 394 pages long and stops the night before John Kilbride's murder -leading Duncan to believe the missing pages could detail Keith's murder and burial site. He says: 'I think it is incredibly frustrating for the families to know that Ian Brady has written an autobiography, Black Light, that is only surfacing now and the copy we have is incomplete. "So the pages that describe exactly where Keith Bennett is buried could be out there somewhere.' Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog In the hours before his death in 2017, Brady asked for locked suitcases to be removed from his cell and handed to his solicitor Robin Makin. The police and Keith Bennett's family have requested access to the paperwork inside, but this has been denied. Cops dig for Moors Murder victim Keith Bennett as 'skull' found 58 years after Ian Brady & Myra Hindley killing spree Duncan says: 'Ian Brady has been allowed to maintain control of this story even in death. 'Brady knew exactly what he was doing. It's absolute madness that the police haven't been able to look inside the suitcases.' Advertisement The findings are featured in a new BBC documentary, The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice, alongside the original case files for Hindley and Brady's defence. One of Brady's solicitors, Benedict Birnberg, died in 2023. His firm told Duncan that any material left with them had been sent to Brady's other solicitor Robin Makin, who also had Brady's suitcases. The BBC contacted Makin but he has not responded. Astonishing discovery 13 Ian Brady, right, pictured arriving at the courthouse in Hyde, Cheshire to be convicted of the Moors murders of five children Credit: 1965 AP Advertisement 13 Brady's biographer, Dr Alan Keightley, wrote in his own book that Brady had written a 600 page autobiography called Black Light Credit: Rex 13 Tragically Keith Bennett's mother Winnie Johnson died without ever knowing her son's final resting place Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Duncan explains how he met Hindley in the 1990s when he started working on the case and quizzed her about her version of events. "I asked her where Keith Bennett is buried. I never got a clear answer. That's why, if I like it or not, I'm still working on the case all those years later," he says. Advertisement 'A lot of the paperwork disappeared after the trial of Myra Hindley and Ian Brady.' Duncan had tried to get access to transcripts from their trial for decades but the CPS told him they had been shredded. He says: 'When I was told that the original defence case files existed I went to look at the material and I was astonished by what I found. I asked her where Keith Bennett is buried. I never got a clear answer. That's why, if I like it or not, I'm still working on the case all those years later Duncan Staff "Notes written by Myra Hindley and photographs taken by Ian Brady, all put together by the defence team in the 1960s." Advertisement It was October 1965 that Saddleworth Moor in Oldham became a grisly household name. Edward Evans was the last of Hindley and Brady's victims - but the first to be discovered after Hindley's brother-in-law, Children had been going missing in the area for years - and the investigation into Edward Evans' death would lead police to the abduction and murders of John Kilbride, Lesley Anne Downey, Pauline Reade and Keith Bennett. Trophy photos taken by Brady of Hindley on the Moors would later help police find the tragic graves of John and Lesley Anne. Advertisement Hindley and Brady were charged with three murders - Edward Evans, John Kilbride and Lesley Anne Downey, as the other two bodies had not been found. They were convicted and sentenced to life sentences with a whole life tariff. But the case was reopened in 1985 after Brady was reported as having confessed to the murders of Pauline and Keith. Advertisement Brady and Hindley were taken separately to Saddleworth Moor to assist in the search for the graves. Information provided by Hindley helped police to find Pauline's body. But Keith's still remains on the moors. Troubling photo 13 A picture of Myra Hindley holding a puppy on a rock in the moor, in a very similar photograph to the one taken on John Kilbride's grave, troubled the team Credit: BBC 13 Winnie Johnson with her son Joey, then 23, digging on Saddleworth Moor in a bid to find the remains of her son Keith Bennett in 1988 Credit: Alamy Advertisement 13 Officers from Greater Manchester Police search Saddleworth Moor for the remains of the body of 12-year-old Keith Bennett in 2022 Credit: PA 13 An un-searched gas pipe on Saddleworth Moor Credit: BBC Hindley and Brady both maintained that Keith's body had been buried where two streams - Shiny Brook and Hoe Grane - met. Despite extensive searches by police, and forensic investigators working for the Bennett family, nothing was found. Advertisement But Duncan, forensic archaeologist John Hunter and retired detective Martin Slevin now think photos found in the recently discovered case files could be pointing in a different direction. John says: 'It also means that Brady and Hindley are complete liars and had taken us to the wrong place.' The team decided to focus on photographs found in the defence case files taken by Brady. It means that Brady and Hindley are complete liars and had taken us to the wrong place John Hunter There is one picture in particular that troubled the team - one of Myra Hindley holding a puppy on a rock in the moor, in a very similar photograph to the one taken on John Kilbride's grave. Advertisement In the background is a concrete gas pipe marker - leading the team to question whether this could also be marking Keith's grave. Retired detective Geoff Knupfer was one of the officers who worked on the case in the 80s. He said he raised the issue at the time. He says: 'There was a thought that these two children (Pauline and Keith) could have been disposed of in the trench of the pipeline and that enquiries they made would suggest it would be far too expensive to re-excavate it and check. 'I think a decision was taken at some level with the service or Home Office that enough was enough. Advertisement "These two people have been convicted of three murders, they have been sentenced to life imprisonment, the likelihood of them ever being released is remote indeed. "I don't want to criticise former colleagues too much, it is all well and good if it is not your children who are missing or your family involved in it.' The BBC team brought in modern technology including drones and GPS to the now 60-year-old case. And the findings cemented their belief that the area around the gas pipe marker warranted further investigation. Advertisement Duncan says: 'I believe the police should search the areas that Martin and John have identified, and we are going to hand all the evidence over to them. "But I don't think they are likely to search without an X marks the spot.' 'Lack of accountability' 13 Moors Murders victims John Kilbride and Pauline Reade 13 Maureen and David Smith - Myra Hindley's sister and brother-in-law - who denounced Hindley and Brady to the police after Edward Evans' murder Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Advertisement Martin Slevin and Duncan also trawled through Brady's other materials to find any insight into his way of thinking and hopefully any information that could lead to Keith's grave. Martin says: 'We have got pretty much his whole music collection here, really eclectic mix. German marching songs, classical music, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.' Also included in the haul are press cuttings and media coverage of Hindley and Brady. Duncan says: 'He's living in the past, it matters to him. The murders mattered to him and possession of Keith Bennett matters to him, and he views himself as a superstar.' Advertisement They discovered a copy of Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Topping's book - the man who led the hunt for Keith and Pauline's bodies in the 1980s. In the chapters when DCS Topping detailed his interviews with Hindley, where she described not being able to hear Brady and Keith on the moors, Brady had made side notes saying: 'You could not keep her away, she enjoyed it.' Martin says: 'He's clearly saying that she was part, hands-on Keith Bennett's murder [sic]. That is the first time we have had a direct contradiction of that account.' Brady's living in the past, it matters to him. The murders mattered to him and possession of Keith Bennett matters to him, and he views himself as a superstar Duncan Staff Duncan says: 'And that means she was at the burial site.' Advertisement Martin adds: 'She would have known exactly where Keith Bennett is buried.' The police have had Hindley's maps of the area since 2001. But there is no complete record of where they have searched. Duncan: 'What has struck me about this case is the lack of accountability. "How no-one can be held responsible because police today can say those decisions were taken back in the Sixties, it was nothing to do with me, therefore I don't need to do anything. Advertisement 'But for the families there is this constant enduring pain. I think all of them are still impacted by the fact Keith is still missing, no matter which family it is, because they are all intertwined. "You can't divorce their stories.' Greater Manchester Police initially told the BBC they were interested to see their findings, but then changed its mind. In a statement to the BBC, GMP said its investigation remains open and it would 'continue to seek the answers the family deserve and will act upon any credible evidence". Advertisement 'There have been so many missed opportunities to find Keith, and we can't let this be another one,' says Duncan. 'We have to make sure that everything is done and that every effort is made to get hold of the missing pages of Black Light and to finally remove Ian Brady's control.' The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice is on BBC Two tonight (Wednesday 30 July). Both episodes are available on iPlayer now. 13 The search for Keith Bennet on Saddleworth Moor in 1992 Credit: BBC Advertisement
Daily Record
30-07-2025
- Daily Record
Ian Brady's chilling autobiography could spark new Moors Murders investigation
A new BBC documentary series presented by Duncan Staff has made a major discovery that could lead to a new investigation into the Moors Murders. A fresh BBC Moors Murders documentary has revealed part of Ian Brady's secret autobiography. Cold case specialists working alongside author and filmmaker Duncan Staff discovered a copy of the first 394 pages of a clandestine autobiography penned by Moors killer Ian Brady in a new BBC documentary series, The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice. The unearthing of the unfinished manuscript, which details his connection with Myra Hindley and provides a thorough, precise account of the killing and interment of their initial victim, Pauline Reade, came from an extensive collection of documents uncovered by Staff. The remaining 200 pages of Brady's manuscript could potentially hold his version of 12 year old Keith Bennett's murder and burial in 1964, according to claims. The absent pages are thought to have been left with Brady's solicitor, though he has remained silent on the matter, reports the Mirror. Brady's biographer, the late Dr Alan Keightley, documented in his publication that Brady once requested him to deliver a "double sealed parcel", which he believed contained the autobiography, to a London-based solicitor. This legal representative, Benedict Birnberg, passed away in 2023. His practice informed the BBC that any materials left in their care had subsequently been forwarded to Brady's other solicitor, Robin Makin, in Liverpool. Mr Makin, Brady's executor, has faced previous allegations from Keith Bennett's relatives of concealing documents that might assist in locating Keith's remains. The BBC contacted Robin Makin for comment regarding whether he possessed the autobiography, but he has failed to respond. Keightley passed away in 2023, but his widow, Joan, has granted the documentary-makers access to her late husband's extensive archive. This includes an incomplete copy of the typed manuscript titled Black Light, which appears to have been penned by Brady. In his own book, Dr Alan Keightley suggests that Brady informed him Black Light was at least 600 pages long. The copy in his own archive ends abruptly at page 394, just before the murder of John Kilbride, Brady and Hindley's second victim. Taking to social media, Keith Bennett's brother, Alan – who was kept up-to-date with the discovery by the documentary-makers – expressed that any missing material should be handed over to the police as it could contain "vital information in regard to the search for Keith. "This is the first time we've got an indication there might actually be something written down that describes where and how Keith was killed," Staff reveals. Keith Bennett, aged 12, vanished in June 1964. His body has never been recovered. He was the third victim of serial killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, known as the Moors murderers, who are confirmed to have killed five children. The bodies of John Kilbride, 12, and Lesley Ann Downey,10, were unearthed from shallow graves on Saddleworth Moor in 1965. Edward Evans, 17, was found at the murderers' residence, bound and ready for burial on the moorland. The Moors murderers received life sentences. Pauline Reade, 16, was discovered on the moor following a search in 1987. Myra Hindley passed away in 2002, aged 60; Ian Brady died in 2017, aged 79. "I think it's incredibly frustrating for the families to know that Ian Brady has written an autobiography, Black Light, but it's only surfacing now and that the copy we have is incomplete. So the pages that describe exactly where Keith Bennett is buried could be out there somewhere," Staff comments in The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice. Retired Chief Superintendent Geoff Knupfer, who led the Moors murders case for Greater Manchester Police in the 1980s, has perused a section of the manuscript retrieved by the BBC, and describes this discovery as 'extraordinary – I've never seen anything like it. '. "This could lead to a new investigation," he suggests. The solicitor representing the Bennett family requested the documentary makers to inform the police about Black Light, which they have done. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) told the BBC that their investigation is still ongoing and they will "continue to seek the answers the family deserve and will act upon any credible evidence". "There have been so many missed opportunities to find Keith, and we can't let this be another one," Staff says, "We have to make sure that everything is done and that every effort is made to get hold of the missing pages of Black Light and to finally remove Ian Brady's control.
Daily Mirror
30-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Ian Brady's secret diary found with chilling detail that could spark new investigation
A new BBC Moors Murders documentary has uncovered part of Ian Brady's secret autobiography. A copy of the first 394 pages of a secret autobiography written by Moors murderer, Ian Brady, was found by cold case experts working with author and filmmaker, Duncan Staff, in a new BBC documentary series, The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice. The discovery of the incomplete manuscript, which covers his relationship with Myra Hindley and a detailed, accurate description of the murder and burial of their first victim, Pauline Reade, emerged from a large cache of files uncovered by Staff. The final 200 pages of Brady's manuscript may contain his account of 12-year-old Keith Bennett's murder and burial in 1964, it is claimed. The missing pages are believed to have been deposited with Brady's solicitor, but he has not commented. Brady's biographer, the late Dr Alan Keightley, wrote in his book that Brady once asked him to deliver a "double sealed parcel", which he assumed to contain the autobiography, to a solicitor in London. This solicitor, Benedict Birnberg, died in 2023. His firm told the BBC that any material left with them had now been sent to Brady's other solicitor, Robin Makin, in Liverpool. Mr Makin, Brady's executor, has previously been accused by Keith Bennett's family of withholding documents that could help in the search for Keith's body. The BBC approached Robin Makin to comment about whether he was in possession of the autobiography, but he has not responded. Keightley himself died in 2023, but his widow, Joan, has given the documentary-makers access to her late husband's extensive archive. This includes an incomplete copy of the typed manuscript titled Black Light, which Brady appears to have written. In his own book, Dr Alan Keightley writes that Brady told him Black Light was at least 600 pages long. The copy in his own archive stops abruptly at page 394, shortly before the murder of John Kilbride, Brady and Hindley's second victim. Writing on social media, Keith Bennett's brother, Alan – who was kept informed of the discovery by the documentary-makers – said any missing material should be made available to police because they could contain 'vital information in regard to the search for Keith.' 'This is the first time we've got an indication there might actually be something written down that describes where and how Keith was killed,' Staff says. Keith Bennett, 12, disappeared in June 1964. His body has never been found. He was the third victim of serial killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. The Moors murderers are known to have killed five children. The bodies of John Kilbride, 12, and Lesley Ann Downey,10, were recovered from shallow graves on Saddleworth Moor in 1965. Edward Evans, 17, was discovered at the killers' house, bound and prepared for burial on the moorland. The Moors murderers were sentenced to life. Pauline Reade, 16, was found on the moor after a search in 1987. Myra Hindley died in 2002, aged 60; Ian Brady died in 2017, aged 79. 'I think it's incredibly frustrating for the families to know that Ian Brady has written an autobiography, Black Light, but it's only surfacing now and that the copy we have is incomplete. So the pages that describe exactly where Keith Bennett is buried could be out there somewhere,' Staff says in The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice Retired Chief Superintendent Geoff Knupfer, who headed the Moors murders case for Greater Manchester Police in the 1980s, has read a section of the manuscript recovered by the BBC, and describes this finding as 'extraordinary – I've never seen anything like it.' 'This could lead to a new investigation,' he says. The Bennett family's lawyer asked the documentary makers to let the police know about Black Light, which the team have done. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) initially told the documentary team it wanted to see a large amount of material gathered for the programme, but then changed its mind. In a statement to the BBC, GMP said its investigation remains open and it would 'continue to seek the answers the family deserve and will act upon any credible evidence'. 'There have been so many missed opportunities to find Keith, and we can't let this be another one,' Staff says, 'We have to make sure that everything is done and that every effort is made to get hold of the missing pages of Black Light and to finally remove Ian Brady's control.
Irish Independent
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Moors Murders, Valkyrie and Miley Cyrus
The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice BBC Two, 9pm Six decades on from the child murders that shocked Britain, this documentary sheds new light on the crimes of notorious serial killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Destination X Destination X BBC One, 9pm Move over Race Across the World , there's a new reality travel competition on the block. Rob Brydon is our guide, while the competitors set out on the road trip of a lifetime — the catch is, they have no idea where they are, and must work it out from the clues they find en route. Pray for Our Sinners RTÉ One, 9.35pm Acclaimed feature-length documentary in which journalist and film-maker Sinéad O'Shea returns to her hometown of Navan to meet those who felt compelled to stand up against the Catholic Church and its approach to women and children. Valkyrie Valkyrie RTÉ2, 9pm Tom Cruise (above, with Carice van Houten) stars in this wartime thriller. He plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, the German officer instrumental in the failed plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1944. The all-star supporting cast includes Kenneth Branagh and Bill Nighy. Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful Disney+, streaming now Are you over all the shark stuff (if you're not, Sharks Gone Viral is Disney+'s latest shark offering)? Then consider watching Miley as she dives back into her Disney roots with this fantastical pop opera featuring 13 original songs and a purportedly dazzling visual album. It's the closest you'll get to seeing her live given her well-documented dislike of touring. Shiny Happy People: The Teenage Holy War Shiny Happy People: The Teenage Holy War Prime Video, streaming now 'How do you know you're in a cult if it's your normal?' For most under the power of leader Ron Luce, believing you were meant to die a teen martyr for Christ was normal... It would appear there was so much for the Teen Mania Ministries escapees to unpack of their time at the church that Emmy-winning filmmakers Nicole Newnham and Cori Shepherd are back with a second season. They continue to focus on America's largest youth ministry, which attracted millions through wildly popular stadium shows known as 'Acquire the Fire'. Packed with Millennial-era energy and copious levels of cringe, the series captures massive crowds of teens swept up in fervent religious concerts, purity pledges, and missionary zeal — when all most of them needed was a decent regular rave to attend. Beneath the polished youth group image, it reveals rigid spiritual training, theatrical indoctrination, and emotional manipulation orchestrated by Luce. My Melody & Kuromi My Melody & Kuromi Netflix, streaming now Fellow Sanrio fans, rejoice! In this charming stop-motion series, celebrating their respective birthdays, (cooler) younger sister Kuromi hunts for My Melody's cake secret, triggering sweet chaos in Mariland. If you can't handle the kawaii burblings, consider watching on mute; it's worth it for the animation. A Normal Woman Netflix, streaming now A socialite's life unravels when a mysterious illness — and her family's disbelief (and latent misogyny) — push her to sabotage her perfect facade and uncover a darker, truer self. Happy Gilmore 2 Happy Gilmore 2 Netflix, streaming now Yay, 1990s nostalgia! Can you believe it took only three decades for a sequel to this Adam Sandler vehicle? That's either an exceedingly good or a not-so-good sign. It was also released straight to Netflix. Take from that what you will. Hitmakers Netflix, streaming now Twelve top songwriters and producers come together at high-stakes music camps to create hits for stars like John Legend, Shaboozey, and Lisa of Blackpink — revealing the creative tension and breakthroughs behind the music-making process (for humans). Trigger Trigger Netflix, streaming now This week's K-drama features the rising threat of illegal firearms and shootings; an unsettling shift in South Korea's typically gun-free landscape. TheFacebook Honeytrap: Catching a Killer Prime Video, streaming now A woman grappling with chronic illness helps track down her aunt's murderer from 6,000 miles away. How? By using fake profiles, unseen messages, and sheer determination, all from her couch in the UK. For yet more true crime on Prime, there's A Killer's Confession (Christopher Halliwell's, to be precise).
