THE Yorkshire Ripper and Moors Murderer Ian Brady are entitled to benefits, it has been revealed.

The serial killers, who both struck in and around Huddersfield, are able to claim incapacity benefit as they’ve been detained under the Mental Health Act.

The most the serial killers would be entitled to claim under the long-term basic rate is £94.25 a week but it is not known if they have made a benefits claim.

Details of the scheme emerged in a Commons debate.

The Government is now reviewing whether all serial killers detained under mental health legislation can receive incapacity benefit.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling described the payments as an "anomaly" when he was asked if it was right.

Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, now 64, received 20 life terms for the murder of 13 women and the attempted murder of others in Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

His victims included teenage Huddersfield prostitute Helen Rytka, who was attacked and murdered in Great Northern Street while working as a vice girl in the town.

The killer also attacked teenager Theresa Sykes, 16, as she returned from a local shop to her home in Oakes.

She was struck from behind but he fled when people heard her screams.

Brady, along with accomplice Myra Hindley, buried his young victims on the bleak Pennine moors above Holmfirth.

One of those victims, 12-year-old Keith Bennett, has never been found. His remains are thought to be in a moorland grave off the A635 Greenfield Road.

Jake Berry, the MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said in Parliament yesterday: "Unlike prisoners, those detained under the Mental Health Act, including Ian Brady and Peter Sutcliffe, are entitled to receive incapacity benefit. Will you tell the House what this Government intends to do about it?"

Minister Mr Grayling replied: "I agree with you that this is an anomaly and it is something that the department is reviewing as we speak and we will give more details in due course."

The revelation has been slammed by former Huddersfield detective John Stainthorpe, who worked on the Ripper inquiry. He said yesterday: "I don’t think it’s right but maybe I’m old fashioned.

"I disagree that criminals should get benefits, this money should be spent on residents.

"They’ve been locked up and are being fed and looked after by the taxpayer, now they can claim benefits too. It’s wrong".