Mother of Moors murders victim dies

The mother of Moors murders victim Keith Bennett has died without knowing where her son is buried.

Winnie Johnson, 78, had been suffering from cancer for a number of years and passed away peacefully at a hospice, her lawyer said.

Her 12-year-old son’s killer, Ian Brady, has always refused to disclose the location of Keith’s body on Saddleworth Moor above Manchester.

Keith was taken by Brady and his partner, Myra Hindley on June 16, 1964, after he left home to visit his grandmother.

In a statement, John Ainley, a senior partner at Oldham-based solicitors North Ainley Halliwell, said: “Winnie Johnson, mother of the last missing Moors murders victim Keith Bennett, has died without discovering her son’s whereabouts.

“Winnie, aged 78, passed away peacefully at a hospice after she had been diagnosed with cancer some years ago.

“It is a terrible tragedy and I would ask the media to respect Winnie’s family’s wishes to be left to grieve in private at this distressing time.

“She will be sadly missed and was much loved by her family and friends.”

Mr Ainley had represented her legal interests for the past few years and has reaffirmed her beliefs that Brady still holds the key to the missing child’s burial spot.

“Over the years and in all our personal meetings, Winnie has insisted Brady is the only person who could put her mind to rest and give her the chance to give Keith a decent burial before she passed away,” he said.