Child killer Pitchfork is recalled to jail over concerning behaviour
DOUBLE child killer Colin Pitchfork is back behind bars after breaking the conditions of his controversial release.
In a move appearing to vindicate fears by his victims’ families, the Ministry of Justice yesterday confirmed he had been recalled to prison.
Pitchfork, 61, was freed on licence in September under strict conditions after serving more than 30 years for the rape and murders of 15-yearolds Dawn Ashworth and Lynda Mann.
Probation officers identified “concerning behaviours” and said the step was a preventative measure to protect the public.
They were reportedly worried about Pitchfork taking long walks on his own and feared he was possibly “hiding things”.
Attacks
When he is re-released is a matter for the Parole Board.
Pitchfork was jailed for life in 1988 for the separate attacks in Leicestershire. The then Lord Chief Justice, Lord Lane, told the court: “I doubt if he should ever be released.”
The Parole Board ruled that the former baker, who is now known as David Thorpe, no longer posed a risk to women and young girls.
Relatives of his victims, MPs and ex-police officers urged the board in vain to review its decision.
Dawn’s mother Barbara said yesterday: “I’m pleased that he’s been put away and women and girls are safe and protected from him now. But there’s always the
worry that he might get out again. He seems to have a lot of people on his side who give him the benefit of the doubt.”
South Leicestershire Tory MP Alberto Costa said: “Pitchfork is under the most stringent of licence conditions and perhaps this recall evidences that those conditions are working.
“I will urgently take this matter up with the Government to ensure that public safety remains the number one focus.” The 40
curbs on Pitchfork included a ban on going near his victims’ relatives, limited internet access, electronic tagging, a curfew and lie detector tests.
His contact with children was also strictly controlled.
The Government plans to overhaul the parole system and the findings of a review is expected later this year.
It has also sought to change the law so child killers face life behind bars without parole.