Few criminal cases in modern British history have left a deeper mark on public consciousness than the Moors Murders. At the center of those crimes was Ian Brady, whose life trajectory—from an unstable childhood to one of the most notorious criminal convictions in the United Kingdom—has been extensively examined by historians, criminologists, and journalists.
Understanding Brady’s early life and background does not excuse his actions, but it provides historical context for how his identity and beliefs developed prior to the crimes that would permanently alter British criminal history.
Birth and Early Childhood
Ian Brady was born on January 2, 1938, in Glasgow, Scotland. His birth name was Ian Stewart. His mother, Margaret “Peggy” Stewart, was unmarried at the time and worked as a tea room waitress. The identity of Brady’s biological father has never been conclusively established, and official records offer no definitive confirmation.
Shortly after his birth, Brady was placed into foster care with John and Mary Sloan, a working-class couple living in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. He was raised under the name Ian Sloan and remained with the family throughout his childhood, though his biological mother maintained periodic contact with him.
The Sloan household was structured and disciplined. Contemporary accounts describe Brady as intelligent, articulate, and emotionally reserved. Teachers reportedly noted his academic ability, though he was often described as socially distant and withdrawn.
Behavioral Issues and Adolescence
By adolescence, Brady began to exhibit increasingly disruptive behavior. School records and later court testimony documented frequent truancy, theft, and confrontational conduct. He was known to challenge authority figures and showed little interest in social conformity.
Some accounts from later investigations referenced claims of disturbing behavior toward animals during his youth. However, these allegations were disputed by Brady himself and cannot be conclusively verified through official records. For this reason, responsible historical reporting treats such claims with caution.
What is well documented is his growing obsession with power, ideology, and control. He became an avid reader, consuming philosophy, crime literature, and political extremism, including material linked to Nazi ideology. These interests later became central to his worldview.
By his mid-teens, Brady had begun drinking heavily. At 17, he was convicted of burglary and sentenced to a term in prison. During incarceration, he reportedly embraced a belief system rooted in superiority, contempt for others, and rejection of moral accountability.
Move to Manchester and New Identity
After his release, Brady relocated to Manchester in the early 1960s. He adopted the name Ian Brady and took a job at Millwards Merchandising in Gorton. This move would mark a critical turning point in his life.
In 1961, he met Myra Hindley, a co-worker at the factory. Their relationship quickly developed and became central to subsequent events. Friends and colleagues later observed that Hindley’s personality, appearance, and beliefs changed significantly after becoming close to Brady.
The Brady–Hindley Relationship
Brady exerted strong psychological influence over Hindley, introducing her to his ideological views and reinforcing a shared sense of isolation from society. They spent large amounts of time together outside of work, reinforcing a private world defined by secrecy and mutual reinforcement.
Over time, Hindley became increasingly devoted to Brady, adopting his interests and worldview. Later investigations and court proceedings confirmed that the pair operated as a partnership, with Brady assuming a dominant role and Hindley actively assisting him.
The Moors Murders
Between 1963 and 1965, Brady and Hindley committed a series of murders involving five young victims: Pauline Reade, John Kilbride, Keith Bennett, Lesley Ann Downey, and Edward Evans. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 17.
Several of the victims were buried on Saddleworth Moor, which gave the crimes their name. The case shocked the nation not only due to the loss of young lives but also because of the calculated and concealed nature of the offenses.
At the time, the couple managed to evade suspicion, maintaining outwardly ordinary lives while concealing their crimes.
Discovery and Arrest
In October 1965, the murder of Edward Evans inside Brady’s residence led to the collapse of their secrecy. A witness came forward, prompting immediate police involvement.
Subsequent searches uncovered extensive evidence linking Brady and Hindley to multiple crimes. Investigators discovered recordings, photographs, and other materials that confirmed their involvement.
Both were arrested and charged with murder. As the investigation progressed, the scale of the crimes became clear, triggering widespread public outrage.
Trial and Conviction
Brady and Hindley were tried in 1966. The case attracted unprecedented national attention. Security measures were heightened due to public anger, and the trial became one of the most closely followed criminal proceedings in British history.
Both defendants were convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge emphasized the extreme seriousness of the crimes and the need for permanent public protection.
Imprisonment and Later Years
Brady was later diagnosed with severe personality disorder and transferred to Ashworth Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility. Due to the nature of his crimes, he was considered at risk within the prison population and spent long periods in isolation.
He consistently stated that he did not wish to be released and declined participation in rehabilitation programs. He never expressed remorse and repeatedly sought control over the narrative surrounding his crimes.
Myra Hindley remained incarcerated until her death in 2002. Despite multiple appeals, she was never granted parole.
Death and Historical Legacy
Ian Brady died in 2017 at Ashworth Hospital at the age of 79, after spending more than five decades in custody.
The Moors Murders remain a defining case in British criminal history, influencing changes in law enforcement practices, sentencing policies, and public discussions around life imprisonment.
Today, Brady’s name is studied not for notoriety, but as a cautionary example of how unchecked ideology, manipulation, and lack of accountability can result in irreversible harm. The focus of modern scholarship remains firmly on remembrance of the victims and the lasting societal impact of the crimes, rather than on the individual responsible.