Ian Brady: right to die legal bid begins
Moors murderer Ian Brady is set to make history as he appears before a mental health tribunal in a bid to back up his claim that he is sane and should be allowed to starve himself to death.
The 75 year old multiple killer is seeking to establish his right to die by challenging the authorities at Ashworth Hospital who continue to classify him as mentally ill.
Brady has been forced fed since he went on hunger strike 13 years ago.
He is believed to be seeking a transfer to a prison in Scotland where he could effectively be allowed to starve himself to death.
The hearing is to be presided over by high court judge Robert Atherton and will take place in the grounds of Ashworth Hospital where Brady’s been detained for the last 28 years.
He and Myra Hindley were jailed for life in 1966 for torturing and killing five youngsters: Keith Bennett, Pauline Reade, John Kilbride, Lesley Ann Downey and Edward Evans and burying their bodies on Saddleworth Moor.
Media and public can attend hearing
The hearing’s expected to last up to eight days and will be live video linked to a court in Manchester where the media and the public are to be allowed to attend.
It’s not clear what witnesses are to be called. The judge will decide the conduct of the hearing when it opens on Monday.
It’s expected Brady will be there in person but it’s not yet known if he will give evidence. His lawyer is due to release a statement on Monday.